Spring is the Time for Birch Water
Sure you get maple Syrup from maple trees…
but did you know you can get delicious sparkling clear birch water from birch trees?
by Steve Boyd
Birch trees are tapped in early spring when the weather first starts to break. Find a healthy strong looking Birch tree and set you tree tap about 2 feet or so up from the base of the tree. I like to tap on the north side of the tree, I do not think this really makes a difference, but I think I get water faster when tapping the tree on its north most facing side. Secure you collection container and watch the magic happen!
We like to use 4 litter glass containers for collection. You can cover your container with a gauze or screen to filter out any impurities while the tree drips or you can simply collect the water. A tin pie plate over top of the tap is a great way to prevent bugs or rain from getting in while you are collecting your water.
If you have tapped the tree at the right time you will see results almost immediately, some years water is coming out before the tap is even secure!
You can easily collect 3-4 litres of water overnight. But remember you are taking moisture away from that tree. Do not overdo it!! Find a happy medium and only take some of that precious water. The trees are happy to share but taking too much, or worse all of what it has collected will only kill or damage that tree. Treat them with respect and develop a harmonious relationship with the trees you are taking your water from. Thank them for what they are giving you and be grateful.
Indigenous peoples often leave offerings of thanks when collecting natural plants and medicines. The point is be mindful, be a good steward to your resources and make sure you have healthy trees to tap for future years.
Once you have collected your water what do you do now?
Well first lets fix up that tree. Get some cork (wine bottle corks work well) shape it out and stuff it in that hole you made. This will help the tree heal as well as leave an indicator for you - this was a good tree for the next year. Worst case, you can use a branch with similar diameter to the hole you made. Wedge it in the hole - you can cut the branch flush with a field saw or small hand saw. After you have stopped up the hole, collect your things, grab your water and head on home. Maybe first have a swig - you deserve it after all the work!
Once home, filter water if desired, and refrigerate. Birch water will last up to 4-5 days in the fridge before starting to turn. You can taste the difference! Freezing it or making ice for a few special summer drinks are unique touch to a memorable night at the lake. You can make syrup, but the ratio is 100 to 1. A bit too much effort for me, but if you are up to the challenge 100 litres of birch water will make you 1 litre of birch syrup!! But the focus here is about harvesting the water.
You can research the health benefits of consuming birch water online. Collecting birch water is a way to connect with nature and witness one of its miracles first hand. Share this knowledge with your kids, turn it into a memory. You will never forget your fist sip of freshly tapped birch water! Just remember be mindful and be grateful do not leave anything behind and ensure you preserve this resource.
Birch water is not unique to the Eastern Beaches of Lake Winnipeg. Anywhere you have birch trees you can harvest the water in early spring. Just remember the tree needs some of that water to grow! If you go tapping, make sure if you are not on someones property and if you are not sure ask. Always be mindful of your surroundings. Who knows maybe that person you ask knows where a giant birch tree is hiding and for a litre of its water they will show you where it is!