Watch our 2014 video to see our collection systems and syrup making process.
BIRCH SYRUP
Alaska Pure Birch Syrup is an exceptional small batch product, wild harvested from the pristine boreal forests of Alaska. This environment is ideal for sustainable syrup production, yet birch syrup remains limited worldwide with total production estimated to be under 5,000 gallons annually. As the world’s preeminent birch syrup producer we harvest approximately 135,000 gallons of sap each year which makes between 1,000 and 1,300 gallons of syrup.
Kahiltna Birchworks employs state-of-the-art tubing and vacuum technology to collect the sap, which is a significant leap from the traditional means of sap collection – buckets. Our automated system allows us to harvest sap with minimal disruption to the trees, ensuring their long-term health. We then use a reverse osmosis process to remove up to 90% of the water before evaporation begins. This ensures a higher-quality syrup and reduces energy consumption, a critical factor in Alaska’s remote environment.
The process of birch syrup production is demanding and requires approximately 110 gallons of sap to produce just one gallon of syrup—a much higher sap-to-syrup ratio than maple syrup, which averages about 40:1. The sap, which contains only 1-1.5% sugar, is like water and has a slight nutty flavor. It is during a brief 3-4 week window that we can collect all of our sap of the year. .
Birch syrup has a complex and rich flavor profile with tasting notes of molasses, honey, chocolate, and hints of citrus and berries. It is an extremely versatile flavor additive and sweetener, favored for both savory and sweet dishes. It is a staple ingredient for Michelin-starred restaurants, James Beard Award-winningchefs, and craft brewers. Denali Brewing in Talkeetna uses our birch syrup in their renowned “One Tree” Belgian Ale, and chefs across the nation use our syrup to add depth to their signature dishes.
Birch syrup’s nutritional benefits stands out as a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners. Birch syrup is mostly fructose opposed to sucrose, which makes it lower on the glycemic index than maple or honey. It also contains key vitamins and minerals such as B-Vitamins, Manganese, and Magnesium.
Harvest and Seasonal Details
Birch sap is collected in early spring as the ground thaws and nature awakens, typically in early-mid April. The season lasts for about three weeks before the trees’ leaves begin to bud. On average, each tree yields about 0.6 gallons of sap per day during the harvest, equating to roughly 15 ounces of syrup per tree. Our system allows us to tap between 5,000-10,000 trees annually just outside Talkeetna.
Sustainability
We do our best to mitigate any harm to the tree or surrounding ecosystem. We collect about 7-10% of the total sap from each tree during harvest. We follow strict sustainable practices, including using only one tap per tree to ensure minimal impact. Additionally, we do not plug the holes at the end of harvest, as studies have shown this impedes the tree’s natural healing process.
At Kahiltna Birchworks, we believe in preserving the integrity of the land while producing one of the world’s most distinctive tree syrups. Whether you’re using our syrup for culinary creations, glazes, or simply as a delightful topping, you’re experiencing a product that reflects the purity, sustainability, and rich flavors of Alaska’s boreal forests. From tree to table!
BIRCH WATER
Harvested from Alaska’s pristine birch forests, birch sap, also known as birch water, is nature’s original functional beverage. For centuries, cultures throughout Northern Europe and Asia have revered this refreshing, lightly sweet elixir as a springtime tonic, rich in minerals and antioxidants. We sustainably tap our birch trees during the brief early spring harvest, collecting the naturally flowing sap at the peak of its vitality.
Unlike maple sap, which is high in sucrose, birch sap is crisp and light, with a delicate hint of natural nuttiness. It contains a unique blend of electrolytes, polyphenols, and micronutrients such as manganese, potassium, and calcium, making it a refreshing and nourishing drink that supports hydration and overall wellness. With a lower sugar content than coconut water and a history of use as a traditional detoxifying beverage, birch water is the perfect balance of purity and function.
Enjoy it straight from the tree, infused with natural flavors, or as the base for culinary innovation. Whether you’re looking for a natural way to rehydrate, replenish, or simply experience the taste of Alaska’s wilderness, birch water delivers nature’s best in every sip.
WILD CHAGA MUSHROOMS
For centuries, chaga (Inonotus obliquus) has been used throughout the Northern hemisphere for its adaptogenic and medicinal benefits. Traditionally brewed into a dark, earthy tea, chaga was valued as a warming, fortifying drink, especially during the long harsh winters. Ancient records describe its use among nomadic tribes and healers, who recognized its unique properties and connection to the birch forests where it thrives.
Hammers Family Birch chaga is sustainably harvested in the depths of winter from wild Alaskan boreal birch forests near the Arctic Circle. This timing ensures the chaga has the highest concentration of beneficial compounds, as the birch tree is dormant, allowing the fungus to develop its complex profile. The pristine environment of Alaska create optimal growing conditions and potency.
Unlike commercially farmed chaga which is generally mycelium, HFB chaga is wild-harvested, handpicked and direct from the source – the birch tree. It brews into a robust tea that can be enjoyed on its own or complimented with lemon and other botanicals. Carefully dried and minimally processed, our chaga retains its full character, making it ideal for tea, extracts, or slow-brewed decoctions. From tree to table chaga we are proud to provide some of the highest quality chaga in the world!