What Is Tree Sap and Is It Safe To Eat?

Tree sap is the sticky substance you sometimes see oozing out of tree trunks. Pure maple syrup is the most widely known edible sap product, derived from the sap of the maple tree, but there are many other trees that produce sap. Some saps are edible when processed properly and used in a variety of foods and beverages; others are used in commercial non-food products.

What Is Tree Sap?

Think of sap as the blood of a tree. According to Texas A&M University, there are two types of sap: phloem and xylem.

Phloem sap is the more nutrient-rich form that flows from the leaves and transports sugars and hormones to the parts of the plant that need it most, like the stem and the roots. Xylem is mostly water with some mineral elements and has fewer nutrients. It flows from the roots to the stems and leaves of plants.

The Difference Between Sap, Syrup, and Resin

Tree sap and resin are sometimes confused for being the same thing. Here is the difference between sap, syrup, and resin:

• Sap: A typically clear, thin, and watery substance that's full of nutrients, minerals, and sugars; used to make syrup and other edible products as well as non-food commercial products
• Resin: A sticky, gummy substance produced in the resin cells in certain plants and coniferous trees, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Syrup: A product made by extracting sap from trees and boiling it into a concentrated form (like maple and birch syrup), according to the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment

Is Tree Sap Edible?

Hundreds of tree species produce tree sap, many of which are considered safe to eat.

"Sap from the sugar maple tree is the best known edible type and the most commonly tapped," says Lindsey Hyland, a gardening expert and founder of Urban Organic Yield. "Other edible tree sap includes that from birch trees, pine trees, and fruit trees such as apple trees."

Other trees commonly tapped for their edible sap include walnut and sycamore, according to an older review published in 2012 on the uses of tree saps in northern and eastern parts of Europe.

Keep in mind that not all sap will be sweet and tasty. Even if the tree sap is edible, the sap of many trees is bland, bitter, or almost tasteless. And if you're not able to identify the type of tree, your safest bet is to skip eating the sap altogether.

Can You Eat or Drink Raw Tree Sap?

While you can technically eat raw sap from one of the above listed trees, you probably shouldn't, and it's not a common practice. "Really no one does this," says Hank Shaw, a foraging and wild foods expert.

Instead, he recommends boiling sap down by at least half to concentrate it into syrup. Boiling not only helps intensify the flavor but also eliminates potentially harmful bacteria.

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).

According to Cornell University, sap is also used in a variety of other foods, including:

• Birch syrup
• Maple beer
• Birch beer
• Maple liqueur
• Birch sap vinegar

Tree Sap Benefits

While tree sap can make for a tasty topping or beverage, its benefits may go beyond flavor. Here are some of those health perks:

1. It Provides Minerals and Nutrients

Tree sap contains beneficial nutrients and minerals, Texas A&M University notes.

In a study published in 2020, researchers found that sap collected from multiple birch trees has significant amounts of essential minerals like copper, manganese, and zinc — however, the amount and content vary widely.

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. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, pine bark extract may reduce inflammation and have benefits on cardiovascular health. A study published in 2019 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 generally safe to eat and drink.

Commercial waters, syrups, and other products pose few risks, but be mindful of how much you're consuming. Eating too much maple syrup can spike your blood sugar and insulin levels, according to 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, according to the ‌study published in 2020.