Usually, it is possible to collect 3-4 liters of sap from an average birch tree, while larger trees can yield up to 6-7 liters. However, it is not recommended to exceed these volumes to avoid harming the tree.
To avoid harming the trees, it is not advisable to collect sap from young birches. It is recommended to choose trees with a trunk diameter of at least 20 cm, preferably over 30 cm. Stumps from last year's or older logging sites can also be used.
Each year, the trees for sap collection should be changed. Select a new birch for collection, and after 2-3 years, you can return to the old locations. This is especially important if you are collecting sap from your own dacha birches. Do not exhaust the trees; give them time to recover.
How to properly collect birch sap?
The sap is usually obtained by cutting or scoring the bark of the tree. An aluminum or plastic trough is inserted into the formed cut, through which the sap flows into a suspended container.
Sometimes sap is collected by cutting small branches and attaching a polyethylene bag to the cut area.
Collecting birch sap using a drip system
Using a drip system is the most gentle method of extracting birch sap for the tree.
To do this, drill a hole 2 to 5 cm deep and insert the drip tip into it. Place the opposite tip without a medical needle into a bottle or bag.
What is the best way to collect birch sap?
Traditionally, birch sap is collected in glass or plastic bottles. However, it is much more hygienic if instead of a bottle, you hang a medical sterile bag or a food liquid storage bag (for example, Bag in box bags with a tap from 1 to 3 liters, which are very convenient for storing and transporting any food liquids).
Why are such bags preferable to bottles? There are four reasons:
- they prevent air and foreign objects from entering;
- they do not alter or affect the smell and taste of the contents;
- they are airtight;
- and most importantly, they are sterile.
What to do after collecting birch sap from the tree?
The area of bark damage after sap extraction must be sealed: the damage should be coated with garden varnish or the RanNet preparation.
In fact, it is very important to close the hole.
In the USA, in Alaska, a study was conducted that showed that in every second hole after sap extraction, there are pathogens of infections. Therefore, it is not as frightening that you collect a little sap as it is that you may bring diseases to the tree. That is why it is best to use medical equipment for sap extraction — drip systems. By the way, there are special drip systems for collecting tree sap, but it is quite difficult for an ordinary person to purchase them. Such systems are sold to large companies engaged in sap collection from birches and maples. Yes, maple sap, from which maple syrup is subsequently made, is extracted in a similar way. However, it is boiled for a long time to obtain syrup.
What to do with the collected sap?
- Drink it immediately after collection. This is usually the purpose for which it is collected. Collected sap can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.
- Freeze it for future use.
- Can it. However, according to many specialists, in this case, all the beneficial properties of birch sap are lost, remaining only sweetened water.
Recipe for canned birch sap:
For a three-liter jar of sap, you will need 0.75 kg of sugar and half a teaspoon of citric acid.
Sterilize a glass three-liter jar.
If you collected the sap in sterile bags, you can simply pour it into a pot. If in jars or bottles, the sap must be strained first. Add sugar and citric acid to the sap, bring to a boil, and remove the foam. Strain the sap and bring it to a boil again.
Pour the boiling sap into the prepared jar and seal it with a sterile lid for canning.
Turn the jar upside down and leave it like that until it cools. Store the sap in a dark and cool place.
No negative consequences of consuming birch sap have been reported. However, people with birch allergies should avoid consuming it.
Traditionally, in folk medicine, birch sap is considered very beneficial. However, evidence of its super-beneficial properties is lacking. For those who are used to drinking bright concentrated juices and cola, it will simply be water with an interesting name. For the Soviet generation, it is a drink of childhood and nostalgia.
