Tree Sap Nutrition and Uses

1. Tree sap contains, on average, 95% to 97% water.
2. Sucrose is the major sugar found in tree sap. Additionally, sap contains a mix of
vitamins, nutrients, and polyphenols.
3. Consuming tree sap can aid in digestion, help to stabilize blood sugar, and act as an
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
4. Maple sap, in particular, has been shown to contain an impressive mineral analysis,
including 16 times the potassium, 37 times the calcium, and 3.9 times the magnesium
contents of spring water. All 3 of these minerals are essential for optimal bone health.
Koreans use sap water for cooking and have known about this treasured elixir for
centuries. They refer to it as gorosoe which translates to “tree good for the bones.”
5. Similar to coconut water, sap contains many electrolytes that can help to hydrate the
body faster than plain water.
6. Sap mixed with water is naturally low in calories and sugar.
7. Sap water contains prebiotics which are essential for a healthy digestive system.
8. Some studies have shown that drinking maple water before consuming alcohol can
boost the rate at which alcohol is metabolized in the body, potentially lessening the
severity of hangovers. Sap water is also delicious in mocktails!
9. Tree sap can be used to make coffee/tea, brew beer, make carbonated water and in any
recipe calling for water. It will yield a subtly sweet flavor.
10. While most people know the flavor and scent associated with maple sap, birch sap is
also sweet and fragrant, containing mostly fructose, beech sap has more of a
butterscotch taste and other tree varieties such as ironwood have notes of warm
cardamom.
11. While sap is basically sterile inside of the tree, once it is exposed to the atmosphere and
comes into contact with collection equipment, it is possible that it might pick up various
strains of bacteria. To err on the side of caution, it is recommended that, unless you are
consuming the sap directly from the spile, that you boil the sap for one minute, then
allow it to cool before refrigerating or freezing it.
**InterGenerate is not dispensing medical advice. This list is intended for informational and
educational purposes only and not for the purpose of rendering medical advice. This content is
not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please
consult your physician for personalized medical advice.
InterGenerate does not endorse the consumption of any substance. A qualified physician should
make a decision based on each person's medical history and current prescriptions. Please
check with your medical practitioner before consuming tree sap.