Commercial Tree Sap
Most people are likely to encounter edible tree sap in the form of maple syrup (although make sure to pick pure maple syrup, as processed syrups may not contain much of the real sap).
Per the University of Rhode Island, sap is also used in a variety of other foods, including:
- Chewing gum
- Birch syrup
- Water (maple or birch)
- Maple butter
- Maple sugar
- Maple taffy
- Maple beer
- Birch beer
- Maple liqueur
- Birch sap vinegar
- Ice cream
Tree sap is also used to make several household items. According to the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment, some non-food commercial products made from tree sap include:
- Soaps
- Paint
- Cough syrup
- Hairspray
- Glue
- Waterproofing for boats, bats and containers
Tree Sap Benefits
While tree sap can make for a tasty syrup, snack or beverage, its benefits go beyond flavor. Here are some of those health perks:
1. It Provides Minerals and Nutrients
Tree sap contains beneficial nutrients and minerals, per Texas A&M University.
In a December 2020 study in PLOS One, researchers found that sap collected from multiple birch trees has significant amounts of essential minerals like copper, manganese and zinc.
However, the researchers also noted that sap can contain dangerous levels of heavy metals.
2. It Has Anti-inflammatory Properties
Eating or drinking parts of the pine tree may help reduce inflammation. For instance, pine bark extract has anti-inflammatory properties (along with antioxidant and brain health-supporting effects), according to an April 2015 review in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
Another November 2019 study in the Journal of Food Biochemistry found that pine needles can be brewed into a drink to help slow inflammation caused by certain health conditions.
Tree Sap Risks
Edible tree sap that’s been boiled to kill any harmful bacteria is safe to eat and drink.
Commercial waters, syrups and other products pose few risks, but be mindful of how much you’re eating and drinking. For example, eating too much syrup can spike your blood sugar and insulin levels, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Research on all of the potential risks of eating or drinking tree sap is still needed, but some risks are possible, including:
1. There’s Potential for an Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction to tree sap is possible. “You should be very careful with consuming the sap of any trees if you are allergic to their pollen,” Collins says.
2. You Could Become Sick
If you aren’t sure of a tree’s species, it’s best to leave the sap alone. Untreated sap may also contain harmful substances like metals, per the PLOS One study.
How to Remove Tree Sap From Clothes and More
Tree sap can be sticky — once it finds its way to clothing or other surfaces like your hair, skin or car, it may feel like you’ll never get it out. In order to remove sap from clothing and carpet, the American Cleaning Institute recommends:
- Saturating the stain with rubbing alcohol to help the sap dissolve
- Laundering machine-washable items in warm water
- Dry cleaning delicate fabrics like wool and leather
- Spot cleaning rugs and carpets with rubbing alcohol
Cooking oil can help remove sap from you (or your pet’s) hair and hands, while rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitizer can remove it from your car and most surfaces.
