Sweet birch, Black birch
It is a temperate plant. It is native to North America. It grows in moist woods and the altitude decreases with distance from the equator. It is resistant to drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Also known as:
Cherry birch, Mahogany birch, Spice birch
Edible Portion
- Sap, Bark, Leaves - tea, Twigs - oil
Where does Sweet birch grow?
Found in: Alaska, Australia, Canada, Germany, North America, Tasmania, United States
Notes: There are about 60 Betula species. They grow in cool north temperate climates. Wintergreen for medicine is extracted from the bark.
Growing Sweet birch, Black birch
Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed. Plants can be grafted.
Edible Uses: The inner bark is eaten fresh or dried for later use. It is also used for tea. The leaves and twigs have an oil and they are used to brew a tea. The leaves are dried and used for tea. The sap is also drunk. It can also be converted into vinegar. It is fermented into beer. An essential oil distilled from the twigs and bark is used as a wintergreen flavouring in soft drinks and desserts and puddings.
Production: For tapping the sap a hole is made just as the sap begins to rise. The sap flows best on sunny days after a frost.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sap | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Bark | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Leaves - tea | - | - | - | - | - | - |
References
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Sp. pl. 2:983. 1753
World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew