Process of sapping
The process of sapping works by drilling a small hole into the trunk of the tree - usally maple / in Finland birch, and then inserting a spout, or tap, into the hole. A container is attached to the tap to collect the sap as it flows out of the tree. The sap is then processed in a similar manner to maple sap, by boiling it down to concentrate the sugars and produce syrup. In Finland the birch sap is called "Mahla"
Benefits
Birch sap is a traditional food in many cultures, and it has been used for centuries as a source of nutrition and hydration. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, and it is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Be gentle
If you are interested in making birch sap, it is important to be mindful of the impact that tapping can have on the health of the tree. Only a limited amount of sap should be taken each year, and the trees should be tapped at the right time of year when the sap is flowing freely. Additionally, it is important to use sustainable tapping methods that minimize the impact on the tree and help ensure that it remains healthy and productive for future generations.
At Beyondbuckthorns
We tap into some birch trees every year in spring, collecting some few liters of sap. Some we consume directly, some of it we boil down for syrup. During the Nordic Permaculture Festival 2023 Kai Vaara introduced me to fermented mahla - fermented birch sap.