question for Loren, ACG

Mike(NEOhio) · Feb 21, 2016

I seem to recall reading about making syrup from birch trees. It was in a book by Ewell Gibbons, remember him from back in the '70s, wild foods? He used sap from what I think are called river birch, the ones that smell like wintergreen when you snap a twig. I was wondering if you ever made that kind of syrup or know of it. They're not common this far south but I have a few on my place. Thinking in might be fun to try some.

Adirondack case guy · Feb 21, 2016

Mike, I've seen them makeing syrup from birch on one of those Alaska shows. They said it took about 100gal of sap to make a gallon of syrup. Same process, just a lot more work and I presume a bit different flavor.
Loren

Mike(NEOhio) · Feb 21, 2016

100 gallons? Well, maybe not. I only have two or three trees.

JOCCO · Feb 21, 2016

They like larger white birch yes 100 gallon to 1 Guess you can use yellow and silver bark birch to. It has a different flavor (slightly wintergreen) That is coming on strong in some areas and the best part it does not happen till after maple season!!!

Mike(NEOhio) · Feb 21, 2016

Now that you mention it, I do recall the book said they run later than maples. I'll have to find that book.

GVSII · Feb 21, 2016

Sap runs in any hardwood and can be boiled down to make syrup.It, however ain't maple syrup!

Donald Lehman · Feb 22, 2016

My grandfather made syrup from basswood trees one time. He said it was clear and tasted like corn syrup. Most fellows around here who tapped birch trees used the sap to fill a water vat for a water supply in case of a fire in or around the sugar shanty because they didn't have running water that far back in the woods.

question for Loren, ACG

Mike(NEOhio)

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Adirondack case guy

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Mike(NEOhio)

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JOCCO

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Mike(NEOhio)

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GVSII

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Donald Lehman

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