Conway, Williamsburg sugarmakers honored at North American Maple Syrup Council contest

Howard Boyden holds grandson John Boyden, 3, while his wife Jeanne Boyden holds their most recent award at their sugarhouse in Conway this week. The Boydens were awarded second place for their golden/delicate syrup during the annual North American Maple Syrup Council competition.

Howard Boyden holds grandson John Boyden, 3, while his wife Jeanne Boyden holds their most recent award at their sugarhouse in Conway this week. The Boydens were awarded second place for their golden/delicate syrup during the annual North American Maple Syrup Council competition. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Howard Boyden fills pints of maple syrup at Boyden Brothers Maple in Conway.

Howard Boyden fills pints of maple syrup at Boyden Brothers Maple in Conway. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Boyden Brothers Maple in Conway received second place for its golden/delicate syrup during the annual North American Maple Syrup Council competition.

Boyden Brothers Maple in Conway received second place for its golden/delicate syrup during the annual North American Maple Syrup Council competition. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By ADA DENENFELD KELLY

For the Recorder

Published: 11-28-2024 2:31 PM

Modified: 11-28-2024 4:37 PM

Two Pioneer Valley maple syrup producers were recently recognized among the best of the best at the annual North American Maple Syrup Council competition, held this year in Portland, Maine.

Howard and Jeanne Boyden of Boyden Brothers Maple in Conway were awarded second place for their golden/delicate syrup.

“It’s always wonderful to be recognized by your peers … and the North American Maple Syrup Council. It’s just an incentive for us to keep doing our best,” Jeanne Boyden said. “If these awards come along, it’s great.”

Last year, the Boydens won third place, and the prior year, first. The Boydens oversee between 3,500 and 4,000 taps each year, and are well-known for their maple syrup, cream, granulated sugar and candy.

“We try to make a really good product,” Jeanne said. “We are very lucky to live in an area where the trees produce great sap. [And], we both really love doing it and maybe that’s part of the success.”

She added that for those who are interested in trying the syrup, Boyden Brothers Maple will be open on weekends in December prior to Christmas and will also be selling Christmas trees.

Paul and Serena Zononi of Paul’s Sugar House in Williamsburg received second place for their maple cream.

Paul Zononi is a first-generation sugarmaker who has been making maple syrup for more than 60 years, the past 17 of which he has spent working with his wife, Serena. Together, they have won several international awards for various maple products while overseeing roughly 3,400 taps.

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“We’re excited about it,” Paul said. “We go to the international conferences every few years and we try to at least place in something. … I’ve been doing it long enough I kind of know what I’m doing.”

Paul added that his secret to making excellent maple syrup is that “we start off clean and fresh. Equipment’s gotta be clean and the product’s gotta be fresh.”

Additionally, Tom McCrumm, a retired maple syrup producer in Ashfield, received an updated pin in recognition of his previous hall of fame induction. He was unable to be reached for comment.