Tree Sap
Some trees yield a sugar-rich sap which can be drunk raw, fermented into alcoholic beverages or gently boiled down to syrup (10 litres sap makes approx. 1 litre syrup). The most copious flow is approximately during the first half of March, with up to 2 litres per day. There also tends to be a greater flow during the day and is best when nights are frosty, and days are warm and sunny. Volume varies with species, as does the sugar content.
I have tried Sycamore and Birch sap. Both have a faint sweet taste. Birch sap is slightly astringent. It may also have medicinal value, especially for the urinary system. It is said to dissolve kidney and bladder stones, is good for problems with gout, rheumatism, water retention, renal oedema and cystitis.
How to Collect Tree Sap
The common way to tap a tree is to drill a hole in the lower trunk, approximately 30mm deep, angled slightly upwards and the diameter of the tube used (10-20mm) giving a tight fit to prevent leakage. Insert one end of some plastic tube part-way into the hole and the other end into a container, covering the opening with cloth to exclude leaves, insects etc., but allowing air to be expelled as the container fills up.
To protect the tree from damage, insert a tight-fitting wooden plug after tapping is complete, sealing any leaks with wax or proprietary sealing compound. Do not tap for more than two days, and tap the same tree every other year maximum. Tap only mature trees.
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