Birch Sap - Application and Regulations

Birch sap, widely recognized for a long time, was used to quench thirst and was also employed as a medicinal remedy. It is transparent and tastes similar to water, although it is slightly sweeter. Its sugar content (mainly glucose and fructose) reaches a maximum of about 3%. Healing properties were attributed to it and it was administered to individuals suffering from Maus, Nierkammer, anemia, arthritis. As early as 921, the Arab traveler Ahmad ibn Fadlan observed that Birkenwasser was consumed by Bulgarians. Extracting sap from trees was a common practice in many regions of the world. The most famous example is maple syrup, for which Canada is renowned. In Poland, Birkenwasser gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in Podlasie and Masovia. It was used in various ways, in some regions it was boiled with milk and rye flour, while in others the water was evaporated and used as a sweetener. Fresh Birkenwasser was most commonly consumed, although the beverage was sometimes subjected to fermentation. Its popularity in the 20th century significantly decreased, and so it remains today. Unlike Poland, Birkenwasser still enjoys great interest in Ukraine (which has slightly decreased after the Chernobyl disaster). March is known in Ukraine as the month of Birkenwasser. In the past, water from the birch was fermented with dried fruits. It is most commonly consumed in Ukraine with lemon juice. Birkenwasser also has a long tradition in Germany.

Birch sap is a beverage with a low number of calories. It is surprisingly rich in mineral components, with calcium being the main one, which can reach more than 200 mg per 100 ml of the beverage. The second most important mineral is potassium, of which there is about 170 mg per 100 ml. The given values refer to the popular Polish varieties B. pendula and B. pubescens. The content of nutrients and minerals may vary depending on the species and origin of the tree. Furthermore, birch sap also contains minerals such as magnesium (about 25 mg/100 ml), zinc, phosphorus, sodium, and iron. Birch sap also has antioxidant properties, which are higher in trees growing in areas with higher levels of air pollution.

Various therapeutic properties are attributed to birch tree juice, which are employed in different countries. In Poland, it is most commonly utilized for its rejuvenating effect and support of kidney function. Hungarians use it as an appetite stimulant, and Belgians as a treatment for lung cancer. Birch tree juice is also employed as a diuretic, a remedy for scurvy, and external wounds. In Russia, a syrup was prepared that was applied to injured areas of the skin. The juice was mixed in a specific proportion with ethyl alcohol and cooked on a flame to obtain an appropriate consistency. The juice was also mixed with milk and administered to teething children. Birch tree juice may also have an anti-inflammatory effect and aid in cases of joint inflammation, urinary system diseases, and hair loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these therapeutic properties, and their use is based on tradition and anecdotes.

Despite the increasing popularity of birch sap in Poland, it remains a high-priced beverage. We have to pay around 11 PLN per liter. There are no scientific recommendations for the use of birch sap for medical purposes. It can be consumed for pleasure, however, there is no information on its proper dosage and possible side effects. Combining birch sap with medications, especially diuretics such as chlorothiazide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, can be dangerous as birch sap has diuretic properties and its consumption in combination with these medications can lead to excessive water loss.

Birch juice can be self-extracted in Central Europe. The birch tree can provide juice for a period of 2-4 weeks. The season begins at the end of March or the beginning of April, when the juice is squeezed from the roots to the trunk. To obtain birch water, a tree located in a clean area, preferably away from contaminants and roads, should be chosen. Birch water can be obtained by making an incision in the trunk with a depth of 0.5-2 cm using a knife. A container is placed under the incision to collect the flowing juice. Birch water can also be obtained from a cut branch, but in smaller quantities. Birch water is also available for purchase in stores, where it can be bought in the healthy products section or in herbal stores. The best choice is natural birch water without added sugar and flavors. It can be seasoned on its own, for example, with lemon juice or mint leaves. Freshly extracted birch water should be consumed within a few days and stored in a cool place. The pasteurization process, necessary for extending shelf life, leads to a significant loss of valuable components. Birch water can be served with various additives to create refreshing compositions, perfect for hot summer days.

– freshly extracted sap from the bark of a birch tree – 300 ml, – juice extracted from one lemon, – a handful of fresh strawberries, – a spoonful of natural honey, – a piece of fresh ginger, – a few pieces of chipped ice.

Insert a few ice cubes into a tall glass. Pour over some birch tree sap. Add lemon juice, crushed ginger, and honey. Mix everything thoroughly together. Finally, add half-cut strawberries.