Tapping trees

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Tapping trees
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farmwoody

Joined: 19 Mar 2005
Posts: 98

Posted: Sat May 07, 05 12:56 pm Post subject: Tapping trees

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

Posted: Sat May 07, 05 1:00 pm Post subject:
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

Posted: Sat May 07, 05 1:03 pm Post subject:
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

Posted: Sat May 07, 05 1:03 pm Post subject:
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

Posted: Sat May 07, 05 1:08 pm Post subject:
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

Posted: Sat May 07, 05 1:10 pm Post subject:
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

Posted: Mon May 09, 05 8:34 am Post subject: Re: Tapping trees

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

Posted: Mon May 23, 05 3:53 pm Post subject:
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: 45669
Location: Essex

Posted: Mon May 23, 05 3:57 pm Post subject:
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

Posted: Sat Jun 04, 05 11:08 pm Post subject:
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

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 05 6:58 am Post subject:
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

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 05 11:19 am Post subject:

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

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 05 11:27 am Post subject:

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

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 05 11:57 am Post subject:

Treacodactyl wrote:

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: 42219
Location: North Devon

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 05 12:03 pm Post subject:
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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