When and how to harvest birch sap?
Written on April 6, 2025, by Pauline de Santarome
The birch, from the Betulaceae family, is a pillar of the forests of Nordic countries such as Finland, Canada, and Norway. For centuries, its sap has been highly valued for its many health benefits.
Birch sap can be incredibly beneficial to the body in a variety of ways. Not only does it help restore vitality and flush out accumulated toxins, but it also helps improve the functioning of the kidneys and other emunctory organs. It can effectively complement a weight loss diet while remineralizing the joints. Its unique properties make birch sap a powerful ally for health and well-being.
Colorless and fluid in consistency, it has a slightly woody and mineral taste. Enjoy this natural wonder and all the benefits it provides!
When to harvest birch sap
Also known as "birch water," this sap is harvested over a period of 3 to 5 weeks in early spring, just before the first birch leaves appear and preferably during the waxing moon. It is often recommended to pay close attention to the signs of nature to ensure the best results.
How to choose the right birch tree for harvesting?
There are several criteria to consider when choosing the best birch tree for sap harvesting.
Age: younger trees generally provide better wood yields, while older trees can produce between 1 and 5 liters per day.
Quality of growth: healthy trees will be more productive.
The position of the tree in the forest: trees located in a sunny area are of higher quality than those located in a shaded area.
Soil quality: Birch trees that grow in nutrient-rich soil will grow more healthily and produce higher-quality wood.
By spending a little time researching and analyzing these factors, you can ensure that you get the most out of your birch sap harvest.
What equipment should be used for harvesting?
Choosing the right harvesting tools is crucial. Using unsuitable equipment can damage the birch trunk, increase healing time, and disrupt the tree's growth cycle. Choosing the right equipment guarantees the quality of the sap collected, while ensuring the safety of the tree.
Collecting birch sap is a rewarding and sustainable activity that can be enjoyed year-round. To get the most out of its unique flavor and health benefits, you will need the following equipment:
A plastic or rubber tube for collecting sap,
A drill with a bit the same size as the pipe,
A container with a large storage capacity for collecting, storing, and transporting sap.
How is Santarome Bio birch sap harvested?
At Santarome, we guarantee 100% pure organic birch sap, free from preservatives, alcohol, and pasteurization, thanks to our unique "from tree to bottle" production method. Our process involves direct collection from the tree, without any contact with air or other contaminants.
A hole is drilled in the bark of the tree, and an airtight nozzle connected to a thin collection tube is inserted into the hole.
Then these pipes are connected to each other so that they converge into large collection bags, protected from oxygen.
Once these large collection bags are full, they are transported to vacuum bottling enclosures.
The Santarome process is revolutionary because it prevents the sap from oxidizing, thereby preserving all of the product's natural qualities and freshness. This process also prevents damage to the tree from which the sap is harvested.
How to store birch sap?
To preserve birch sap, it is recommended to:
Filter it to remove impurities and unwanted elements.
Fill it to the brim in a clean, airtight plastic container, making sure it is tightly closed. Oxidation can cause the growth of harmful bacteria that can be dangerous to your health.
Store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of around 4°C, where it can be kept for around 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid freezing it, as this can alter its quality and properties.
After several weeks of storage in bottles, birch sap naturally begins to ferment, according to a process known as lacto-fermentation. This preservation process not only preserves all the nutrients in birch sap, but also enriches it with important vitamins and trace elements, giving it better probiotic properties. As a result, birch sap is denser in nutrients and can be used for a variety of purposes, including beverage preparation or detoxification.
Rich in amino acids, vitamin C, and minerals, Santarome's 100% pure and organic birch sap is an ideal detox ally.
Precautions for use
Consuming birch sap requires certain precautions, including:
Due to the risk of drug interactions, it is essential to seek medical advice before consuming birch sap.
Not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Not recommended for people allergic to salicylic acid derivatives or those undergoing anticoagulant treatment.
Avoid consuming birch if you are allergic to birch.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Store away from light at a temperature below 25°C.
