Leslie and Bob Meloche, a couple from Essex County, Ontario, have dedicated the last five years to perfecting a unique treat for the guests at their bed and breakfast: black walnut tree syrup. This specialty, akin to maple syrup but with a distinct flavor profile, is the result of labor-intensive efforts by the Meloches at The Walnut Grove B&B near Harrow.
The couple operates a sugar shack where they process the sap from both their black walnut and maple trees. They deliberately chose their location to accommodate their B&B business and the five-acre bush on their property that houses the trees needed for syrup production.
Tapping walnut trees, like maple trees, requires specific temperature conditions – above zero during the day and below zero at night. However, producing walnut syrup demands significantly more effort. Bob explains that they tap seven times more walnut trees to yield an equivalent amount of sap compared to maple trees, with 90 liters of walnut sap needed to produce just one liter of syrup.
The Meloches take pride in their walnut syrup, describing it as “sponge toffee-like” compared to the more familiar taste of maple syrup. Despite the higher cost and extra work involved, Leslie finds the process rewarding. They offer the walnut syrup as a special treat for their guests, using it in desserts like drizzling it over ice cream.
As the syrup-making season nears its end, the couple continues to collect sap from their maple and walnut trees. The thicker bark of black walnut trees requires extra care, with Leslie expressing gratitude towards the trees for providing their “life blood” for enjoyment.
While the process may seem romantic, the Meloches emphasize the hard work involved. They navigate the challenges year after year, with Leslie highlighting the practical aspects of their work, contrasting the idyllic image with the reality of laborious bucket schlepping in the woods.
The Meloches’ dedication to crafting walnut syrup showcases their commitment to their craft and the unique offerings at The Walnut Grove.