Birch sap tap.

[leon-b]

ok thanks i will do it then, i am just making a small billy can to hang off it out of a beans can
leon

 

[jon r]

Dont think that the can will take ages to fill up. Keep checking on it. Last time i did this i collected a mug full in no-time!

You wouldnt want it to overflow and let the good trees juices be waisted!

 

[leon-b]

yes how long does it take to gather, i dont want to gather too much and not be able to do anything with it, so i thought a little bean can would be enough
leon

 

[jon r]

i cant remember precisely how long, maybe 1-2 hours for a mug so that might be the same for your can. Just keep checking

 

[leon-b]

yes i wll do it on a weekend so i can keep checking it, i'll put a pic of my can and tap up soon
leon

 

[Philr]

Tell me how deep do you drill as I'm going to have a go....?

 

[billycan]

Hi Phil,
Drill depth depends on what you want, sugar water or pure water? Most people will want the sugar water which is transported in the phloem which is within the first 3cms or so of the tree, whereas if you drill deeper you will be drilling into the xylem whaich transports water, so you will get more water.

In an emergency situationand you were dehydrated and you were after fluids then you would want to drill deeper to obtain safe clean pure water to maintain body hydration without all the sugars.

hope this helps

 

[leon-b]

ao if i want the sweeter stuff i drill about 3 cm ? slightly upwards to allow sap to flow down
leon

 

[billycan]

yup, if the sap is running then that should do it

 

[leon-b]

nice thanks mate
heres my tap and billy made from a bean can :

leon

 

[Greg]

Hi Phil,
Drill depth depends on what you want, sugar water or pure water? Most people will want the sugar water which is transported in the phloem which is within the first 3cms or so of the tree, whereas if you drill deeper you will be drilling into the xylem whaich transports water, so you will get more water.

In an emergency situation and you were after fluids then you would want to drill deeper to obtain safe clean water to maintain body hydration.

hope this helps

You say safe clean water, so this doesn't need sterilizing?

 

[Dougster]

I did it last year. Overnight my 4 litre container overfilled! The plug I put in a sawed off was fine - the bark had even started to grow over it when I went for a look last month. I'll be doing it again this year.

 

[Roving Rich]

I think I need to try this ASAP
The Cherry trees are already in blossom here ! Spring is on its way, and I still haven't cut the hedge back.
Cheers
Rich

 

[billycan]

Greg, yes the water from the birch is safe to drink, the tree cleans it.

Guys dont forget the humble Sycamore as well, there are far more Sycamores about and the sap is pretty good.

 

[brancho]

Greg, yes the water from the birch is safe to drink, the tree cleans it.

Guys dont forget the humble Sycamore as well, there are far more Sycamores about and the sap is pretty good.

I know where there is a sugar maple I will try that IF I can get to it.

 

[billycan]

Brancho, thats the best one of all!!! But they are quite rare... so maybe not ideal

 

[Gwhtbushcraft]

When I was in Canada they boiled maple sap then poured it onto ice. It made a kind of toffee, would this work with birch sap?

 

[Greg]

Greg, yes the water from the birch is safe to drink, the tree cleans it.

Guys dont forget the humble Sycamore as well, there are far more Sycamores about and the sap is pretty good.

Thanks Billycan!!
I like the advice!!

 

[Zodiak]

I seem to remember reading that Ray Mears mixes it with a little chopped mint, freezes it in ice cube trays and pops a cube into a glass of whiskey.

 

[Greg]

I seem to remember reading that Ray Mears mixes it with a little chopped mint, freezes it in ice cube trays and pops a cube into a glass of whiskey.

Single Malt!!!