Birch sap, like any vitamin liquid, quickly deteriorates. Birch sap is stored in the refrigerator. Duration of storage is determined by the presence of preservatives in it:
- A fresh drink can stand in the refrigerator for no longer than 2 days.
- Canned from a jar or tetra-pack - up to 3 days open and up to 2 years closed.
In order for the freshly picked juice to stand for a long time, it is canned, evaporated, frozen or made on its basis kvass.
Storage time
Birch sap is not stored for long. As in any liquid, microorganisms quickly multiply in it, and when it comes into contact with air, it oxidizes. The more time it costs, the less vitamins remain in it. The drink becomes sweet, but more fresh, cloudy and in the end acquires a vinegar taste.
Shelf life of birch sap:
- fresh - 48 hours;
- canned - 2 years;
- canned open - 72 hours.
Some manufacturers indicate that after opening the drink can be stored no longer than a day. Allegedly, it does not contain preservatives and therefore quickly deteriorates. However, in practice, this is nothing more than an advertising move: a canned product can last much longer, up to 5 days. The main thing is to store it correctly.
Storage rules
To keep the birch sap as long as possible, it should be placed in conditions unfavorable for the reproduction of microbes.
Storage Rules:
- Birch sap, rolled up in a transparent container, is stored in a room protected from direct sunlight (refrigerator, cellar).
- The storage temperature of the closed billet is from 0 to 25 degrees.
- Fresh juice and canned in open packaging should be stored at a temperature of 0 to 10 degrees (only in the refrigerator).
- The container must be tightly closed. The less air gets into it, the longer the drink will not deteriorate. Ideal for storing a glass jar with a tight lid.
- The container must be sterile. At a minimum, it must be thoroughly washed and rinsed with boiling water, and even better sterilized over steam.
How to increase the shelf life of natural juice?
Due to the short shelf life, fresh birch sap is immediately processed after extraction. What can be done with it: Several options:
- Freezing Allows you to save up to 80% of nutrients and increase shelf life up to 8 months. Natural birch juice is frozen in portions, because after defrosting it quickly deteriorates. It is convenient to use plastic bottles with a volume of 0.5–1 l. When freezing, the liquid will expand, so it is important to fill the container not completely, not filling up about 2-3 cm from the top.
- Preservation. To roll up birch sap, you need to add 3 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar per 1 liter, bring it to a boil and immediately pour into sterilized glass jars. Screw the lids on the jars and, after cooling, clean them in a cool place. Sometimes, citric acid (1 teaspoon per 1 liter) is added along with sugar.
- Kvass. It is stored in a closed container for up to 3 months, it turns out very effervescent. Preparation: pour 150 g of washed dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes, apples, raisins) into a three-liter jar, pour 2.5 liters of strained natural juice. Cover with gauze and place in a cool place for 2 weeks. Strain the kvass and pour into a sterilized container.
- Digestion. Birch syrup can be diluted with water, spread on bread, add to tea. He can calmly stand all winter in the refrigerator in a glass jar with a twisting lid. Preparation: bring to a boil 3 liters of juice, reduce heat to a minimum and cook for 1 hour, removing the foam. Pour 3 cups of sugar, continue cooking. After another 1 hour, the liquid thickens, and it can be poured into sterilized containers.
Birch sap is healthy, and for many it is a favorite drink. It is harvested in the spring, when sap flow is observed in birches. Unfortunately, immediately after collection, it quickly deteriorates. Therefore, they store it only in the refrigerator and, if possible, process it. A canned or frozen drink will stand for a long time, and you can drink it all year round!