Volume 81, Issue 4, 2012, Pages 343-357
a
Uppsala Centre for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Uppsala University, Box 514, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
b Estonian Literary Museum, Vanemuise 42, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
c Department of Botany and Biotechnology of Economic Plants, University of Rzeszów, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland
b Estonian Literary Museum, Vanemuise 42, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
c Department of Botany and Biotechnology of Economic Plants, University of Rzeszów, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland
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. ©
The Author(s) 2012.
Author keywords
Ethnobotany; Fermented beverages; Food culture; Forestry; Non-timber forest products; Sap collection
Indexed keywords
Species Index: Acer; Acer platanoides; Betula pendula
