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Tapping trees
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farmwoody



Joined: 19 Mar 2005
Posts: 98

PostPosted: Sat May 07, 05 12:56 pm    Post subject: Tapping trees Reply with quote
    

Has anyone had any success with tapping trees for their sap?
I bought a fab old book from a charity shop and it gives instructions for tapping, but they're a bit sketchy. I've been out and had a go but with no joy. I'd really love to get this right, if the book is to be believed the resulting syrup made from the sap, makes lovely wine and can be used as a real alternative to honey.
We cant keep bees cos of younger sons extreme allergy to bee stings so this could be a great alternative.
Cab, is this something you've done?

Bernie66



Joined: 14 Jan 2005
Posts: 13967
Location: Eastoft
PostPosted: Sat May 07, 05 1:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I have heard of using a bit and brace into birch trees followed by a wide diameter plastic tube down to a bucket, to get their sap out by the gallon(only at the right time of year though-and i think we have missed it this year) It might have been Ray Mears or possibly HFW. I will try to find something concrete for you on web.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Sat May 07, 05 1:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Not tried it but I do have several recipes in Phillips' wild food book. Also have a look at this thread: https://forum.downsizer.net/about3563.html

Bernie66



Joined: 14 Jan 2005
Posts: 13967
Location: Eastoft
PostPosted: Sat May 07, 05 1:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

https://www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF3/313.html
https://ceinfo.unh.edu/News/tapbirch.htm

Any use ?

farmwoody



Joined: 19 Mar 2005
Posts: 98

PostPosted: Sat May 07, 05 1:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thanks folks, it seems I'm a bit late in the year
Nevermind, I must remember for next year.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Sat May 07, 05 1:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Don't sopse you've thought about growing sugar beet or some other form of sugar? I'm tempted to give it a go to add the juice to wines one day.

cab



Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

PostPosted: Mon May 09, 05 8:34 am    Post subject: Re: Tapping trees Reply with quote
    

farmwoody wrote:

Cab, is this something you've done?


No, so I'll be watching your progress with great interest

cab



Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

PostPosted: Mon May 23, 05 3:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Is it now definitely too late in the year to tap a birch tree? There are three nice big ones in Bagpuss's garden within reach of an electric drill... I could tap them and plug them easily, but is it now far too late in the year?

tahir



Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45389
Location: Essex
PostPosted: Mon May 23, 05 3:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Everything i've ever read says that it should be as the sap is rising, i.e. it should be coming into leaf.

Lloyd



Joined: 24 Jan 2005
Posts: 2699

PostPosted: Sat Jun 04, 05 11:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Definitely too late, Cab. I have the same problem. I've been tapping my Maples for syrup, but they are more forgivving. The Birch now needs all its sap for foliage and vertical growth. You and I have missed that window, matey. Better luck next year.

alison
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 12918
Location: North Devon
PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 05 6:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I was too late here too. (and I did mine ages ago)

All I got was about an inch in the demi john.

Blue Peter



Joined: 21 Mar 2005
Posts: 2400
Location: Milton Keynes
PostPosted: Tue Jun 07, 05 11:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Treacodactyl wrote:
Don't sopse you've thought about growing sugar beet or some other form of sugar? I'm tempted to give it a go to add the juice to wines one day.



That's something that crossed my mind a while ago. What is sugar beet? and how do you get the sugar out?


Peter.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Tue Jun 07, 05 11:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Blue Peter wrote:
Treacodactyl wrote:
Don't sopse you've thought about growing sugar beet or some other form of sugar? I'm tempted to give it a go to add the juice to wines one day.



That's something that crossed my mind a while ago. What is sugar beet? and how do you get the sugar out?



I'll dig out the details tonight, but it's a large swede like plant where the beet is chopped up and the sugary liquid pressed out. This liquid is then refined but I wander if it can be used in that state for wines and beers etc.

Blue Peter



Joined: 21 Mar 2005
Posts: 2400
Location: Milton Keynes
PostPosted: Tue Jun 07, 05 11:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Treacodactyl wrote:
I'll dig out the details tonight, but it's a large swede like plant where the beet is chopped up and the sugary liquid pressed out. This liquid is then refined but I wander if it can be used in that state for wines and beers etc.


Cheers. I wonder if something like a fruit press (Vigo) could be used to extract the stuff?


Peter.

sean
Downsizer Moderator


Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42207
Location: North Devon
PostPosted: Tue Jun 07, 05 12:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

My favourite ever road sign, which I saw in France during the sugar beet harvest said: Attention aux Betteraves, loosely translated: Beware of the Beetroot.

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