This is how you "milk" the birch correctly

This is how birch sap can be harvested:

• Drilling: Juice leakage through a hole in the trunk
• Knock off: fresh breaks on branches give off water
• To squeeze: juicy leaves give off sap when rubbed

Drilling

Cuts made at an angle from below at low trunk height result in a small damage to the bark, which is caused by the bark and Cambium runs into the sapwood. The birch water escapes from this wound and is led into a collecting vessel with the help of a straw or piece of wood. Since this variant is not without risk, you should resort to more gentle measures.

drove

With this so-called trunk method, you run the risk of damaging the tree. If the wood loses too much fluid, it no longer has enough energy for the development of the leaves and flowers. Healthy and steadfast trees usually tolerate the method without problems, unless it is carried out on the same trunk every year in a row.

Further dangers exist from the penetration of fungi or insects into the wound. Potential pathogens and pathogens are washed out by the escaping juice. If the wounds are closed with corks or resin, this cleaning cannot take place, so that wood rot occurs.

Knock off

The branch method is the safest way to harvest small amounts of birch sap. Broken branches occur in nature through wild animals and natural events and usually do not cause much damage. Cut a branch 0.5 centimeters in diameter so that you can stick the tip in a bottle. Tie the jar tightly and wait for the flow of juice to subside. The birch sap will keep for a few days in the refrigerator.

To squeeze

This variant occupies a special position because it does not serve to obtain the actual birch water. The juice differs in color and taste. If you collect the juicy leaves, then press and filter off parts of the plant, you will get a greenish to yellowish liquid. The sap of the birch tastes bitter due to the tannins it contains.