Birch Syrup

Birch syrup is a sweet, tangy tree syrup made from birch sap in much the same way maple syrup is made from maple sap, though it is darker, stronger and more complex in flavor despite having an equivalent sugar content; early-season syrup tastes sweet and caramel-like, while later syrup grows darker, tangier and more molasses-like, with some birch species contributing copper or wildflower-honey notes. Birch sap starts at about 1 percent sugar and is concentrated to 67 percent in the finished syrup, with sugars made up of roughly 42 to 54 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose plus minor sucrose and trace galactose, a very different composition from maple syrup's mostly sucrose sugar, giving birch syrup its distinct flavor. Early-season syrup suits pancakes and waffles, while the later, more savory syrup is used in sauces, glazes and dressings for meat and seafood as well as in mixed drinks and coffee.