In the Krasnoyarsk branch of the Federal Center for Product Safety and Quality Assessment talked about the beneficial properties of birch sap and how to choose it in the store.
Experts say that real birch sap is produced in springso the collection period must be indicated on the label – late March or April. A long shelf life is a sign of counterfeit. The drink brings maximum benefit immediately after collection, when its composition is most rich in vitamins and minerals.
“In spring, trees awaken and active movement of fluid inside the trunks begins. This process is reminiscent of blood circulation in the human body. When the bark is damaged, the tree releases liquid, which is collected not only to quench thirst, but also to saturate the body with useful substances, explain specialists from the Krasnoyarsk branch of the CSC AIC. — Birch sap can be clear or slightly cloudy with a pinkish-brown tint. It tastes sweetish with subtle woody notes of fresh sawdust, but no odor. Qualitative the drink may be slightly cloudy or whitish, but is never crystal clear. The taste characteristics depend on the weather and the past winter – for example, after severe frosts, a liquid that freezes well acquires a richer sweetness.”
The drink can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but then the concentration of nutrients decreases. To preserve all the beneficial substances, you can freeze the product rather than canning it. When juice spoils, it becomes cloudy, acquires a sour smell and taste, and sediment appears at the bottom of the container.
Birch sap is valued for its natural composition and benefits.
“Birch sap is a carbohydrate product with minimal protein content, no fat and dietary fiber, but it contains many useful macroelements (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.), vitamins, organic acids, essential oils, phytoncides, tannins, glucose and antioxidants, which increase the body’s protective properties. This drink has a beneficial effect on many diseases, so its regular use benefits the entire body. It is enough to drink no more than 200-250 g per day. It can also be used in cooking (cocktails, smoothies, kvass, infusions, compote, jelly),” experts say.
However Birch sap also has contraindications – it can cause exacerbation in allergy sufferers, asthmatics, people with peptic ulcers and gastritis. In addition, the drink has a slight diuretic effect, which can provoke the movement of stones in urolithiasis.
The main factor when choosing birch sap is its composition. It should not contain artificial additives or preservatives, but the presence of sugar and citric acid is acceptable. It is believed that glass containers retain the beneficial properties of the drink, unlike cardboard bags, which allow air to pass through and promote the proliferation of microorganisms, or plastic bottles, which emit toxic compounds.
“It is better to buy birch sap in stores rather than collect it yourself in the forest, so as not to spoil the trees,” experts advise. — Store-bought juice undergoes careful processing in production: it is boiled, canned, sugar and artificial flavors are added to improve taste, protect against oxidation and extend shelf life. It can be stored in a glass jar with a metal lid in a dark place at a temperature of 0 to +10 degrees for up to 2 years, but it contains few useful substances. Before being sold, it undergoes testing in the laboratories of the CSC of the agro-industrial complex for compliance with GOST. Experts determine organoleptic indicators (taste, smell, color), as well as the content of foreign impurities, mass fraction of dry substances, heavy metals (cadmium, arsenic, mercury, lead), etc.”
Let us remember that birch sap is an ancient drink that in Rus' was stored in birch bark vessels to preserve its healing properties. And in Soviet times, it was produced in industrial quantities, poured into glass containers and sent to stores. Now it is produced mainly in the Leningrad, Saratov and Voronezh regions.
