WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
Birch water flows in regions where temperature fall far below 0 degrees Celsius in winter, like Latvia, Finland, northern regions of Russia. Birch sap is generated by the roots. Roots take water and minerals from the soil, while carbohydrates (sugars) formed in the previous summer by photosynthesis are accumulated and stored in the roots. Besides minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium, the sap contains a unique blend of amino acids (citrulline, glutamine, glutamic acid, asparagine, isoleucine, phenylalanine), enzymes and natural organic acids (malic acid, succinic acid, citric acid and fumaric acid).
WHEN DOES IT FLOW?
The flow of sap is triggered by rapid temperature changes. Night temperatures should fall below zero but the day should be warm and sunny. The birch tree senses the freezing and thawing of the soil and launches a cascade of natural processes that result in the flowing of sap.
The flow continues for just one to two weeks and the fresh green hue of unfurling buds marks the end of birch water harvest and the onset of spring. The time of the year when birch trees generously share their nutritional sap with us humans is different across the Northern hemisphere. It might be the beginning of April in Latvia or Southern Finland and it can be as late as May in territories closer to the Arctic Circle.
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