I have a question about Birch Sap

[Dances with Wolves]

Hello there, My name is Rob, I am from Leicestershire England, and this is my first post. I have just started getting in to Bushcraft so am quite 'green' so I apologise if some of my quesitons might sound a little simplistic.

My question (as you may have quessed by the title) is about Birch Sap, and is a 2-Part-er.

1) As there are more than one type of Birch Tree, can any type of Birch Tree's Sap be used, or are there only specific kinds of Birch Tree that have edible Sap?

and

2) Can Birch Sap be drunk neat? or must it be turned into syrup or wine etc before being consumed?

Thank you kindly in advance for any replies, I wasn't sure to put this in the Food and Drink section or the Fauna Section.

Wolves.
​

 

[leon-b]

1. not sure but i know silver birch is the norm to tap
2. it can be drunk strait away, made into beer, wine etc
leon

 

[John Fenna]

Downy or grey birch taps well and the sap drinks well "raw" - also the bark is a great firelighter or container-making material. There are many silver/downy birch hybrids around as well!
John

 

[Dances with Wolves]

Thank you both very much for your very speedy response.

This might make descriptions easier. Are there ANY Birches you cannot drink the sap from?

Thank you kindly.

Wolves.

 

[w00dsmoke]

Both species of birch that are indigenous to the Uk are widespread and very common. Downy birch have slightly rounder leaves and are more prolific in wetter parts of the country.

Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Downy Birch (Betula pubescens)

Like what was said before the sap from both okay to drink. I would imagine all birch is but you'd better check!
In Scotland everythng was made from birch, from thatch to furniture to bedding to cutlery.It is our special tree and affectionaley known as the lady of the woods. The vikings called it the healing tree for two reasons; it always grew back after cutting down and it has anti-imflammatory chemicals in it similiar to aspirin and it was common apparently for injured warriors to drink the sap.

 

[Dances with Wolves]

Thank you that's brilliant.

Wolves.