http://www.judyofthewoods.net productivity, creativity, sustainability -practical self reliant living for everyone Sun, 27 Mar 2011 03:31:08 GMT+01:00 FeedMe, by the Nowhere Man (http://thenowhereman.com/hacks) Sun, 27 Mar 2011 03:29:47 GMT+01:00 http://www.judyofthewoods.net/forage_monthly.html#5 1301192987 <img src="http://www.judyofthewoods.net/forage/sap561.jpg"><br><br>This is a little late in the season, but for those who live in cooler parts there may still be an opportunity to try out this great method for collecting tree sap which I just found out about from my friend Rob (thanks, bro).<br><br>Some trees yield a sugar-rich sap which can be drunk raw, fermented into alcoholic beverages or gently boiled down to syrup (10 litres sap makes approx. 1 litre syrup). The most copious flow is approximately during the first half of March, with up to 2 litres per day. There also tends to be a greater flow during the day and is best when nights are frosty, and days are warm and sunny. Volume varies with species, as does the sugar content. <br><br>I have tried Sycamore and Birch sap. Both have a faint sweet taste. Birch sap is slightly astringent. It may also have medicinal value, especially for the urinary system. It is said to dissolve kidney and bladder stones, is good for problems with gout, rheumatism, water retention, renal oedema and cystitis.<br><br>Click <a href="http://www.judyofthewoods.net/forage_monthly.html#5">here</a> to read the rest of this post