article Open Access (gold) EN 2012-01-01

Uses of tree saps in northern and eastern parts of Europe

Ingvar Svanberg, Renata Söukand, Łukasz Łuczaj, Raivo Kalle, O. A. Zyryanova, Andrea Dénes, Nóra Papp, Anely Nedelcheva, Daiva Šeškauskaitė, Iwa Kołodziejska, Valeria Kolosova

Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae, Vol. 81, Issue 4, pp. 343–357 (2012)

Uppsala University, Estonian Literary Museum, University of Rzeszów, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Sukachev Institute of Forest, University of Pecs, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Kaunas University of Applied Engineering Sciences, University of Warsaw, Institute of Linguistic Studies

DOI: 10.5586/asbp.2012.036

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Abstract

In this article we review the use of tree saps in northern and eastern Europe. Published accounts by travellers, ethnologists and ethnobotanists were searched for historical and contemporary details. Field observations made by the authors have also been used. The presented data shows that the use of tree sap has occurred in most north and eastern European countries. It can be assumed that tree saps were most used where there were extensive stands of birch or maple trees, as these two genera generally produce the largest amount of sap. The taxa most commonly used have been Betula pendula, B. pubescens, and Acer platanoides, but scattered data on the use of several other taxa are presented. Tree sap was used as a fresh drink, but also as an ingredient in food and beverages. It was also fermented to make light alcoholic products like ale and wine. Other folk uses of tree saps vary from supplementary nutrition in the form of sugar, minerals and vitamins, to cosmetic applications for skin and hair and folk medicinal use. Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are the only countries where the gathering and use of sap (mainly birch sap) has remained an important activity until recently, due to the existence of large birch forests, low population density and the incorporation of sap into the former Soviet economic system. It is evident that gathering sap from birch and other trees was more widespread in earlier times. There are records indicating extensive use of tree saps from Scandinavia, Poland, Slovakia and Romania, but it is primarily of a historical character. The extraction of tree sap in these countries is nowadays viewed as a curiosity carried out only by a few individuals. However, tree saps have been regaining popularity in urban settings through niche trading.

Topics

Biological Activity of Diterpenoids and Biflavonoids 0.99 Botany and Plant Ecology Studies 0.98 Bryophyte Studies and Records 0.97

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Subfield: Molecular Biology

Keywords

Geography,Sugar,Population,Tree (set theory),Wine,Betula pendula,Forestry,Botany,Horticulture,Biology

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable cities and communities (0.64)

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