By Andrew Firestone

Who says the old spirit of the New England farmer is dead?

Not here in Somerville, as the city turned out to see more than 200 gallons of sap from Somerville sugar maple trees be boiled down into edible, delicious syrup of the local variety.

The Boil Down, which took place at the Growing Center on Vinal Street was a huge success, said Tai Dinnan, gardens coordinator for Groundwork Somerville. Having an excess of sap due to favorable conditions this winter, around 50 gallons of the sticky substance was sold to local restaurants. The rest, presided over by Boilmaster Terry Dinnan, was steamed down into precious waffle icing.

Dinnan said she was pleased, not only with the vibrant turnout, but also with the huge amount of syrup produced; there were four gallons boiled down from the local sap. “It’s a lot for us,” said Dinnan. “Generally our goal is to make about three gallons of syrup, so having that increase by an entire additional gallon is a lot.”

The boil down was preceded by several weeks of Groundwork Somerville working with local second graders. The children learned about the intricacies of the process from Dinnan, who was happy that the weather cooperated with the turnout. The only effects contending with the event were the weather and the temperature, said Dinnan, and both were cooperative for a fun-filled day.