Other events in Baltic States

Birch sap season begins this week, which is a time when one of the most popular and healthy Latvian drinks can be extracted from birch trees, LETA informs.

People can begin extracting birch-sap from birch trees when the snow has melted and the days become warmer, until the trees begin sprouting leaves.

In the spring, birch-sap, or birch-juice as it is called by locals, was one of the traditional drinks of the ancient Latvians.

Birch-juice is good for cleansing a person’s organism, improves metabolism and feeds with body with organic acids.

Birch-juice is also good for strengthening the immune system, relieving aches and pains, as well as healing wounds. The juice is also good in preventing arthritis, kidney illnesses, strokes, heart attacks and urinary bladder problems.

Fresh birch-juice in March and April can also be purchased at many local markets and shops selling eco food products.

However, those who wish to try extracting birch-sap themselves can do so at many farms throughout the country listed in the Lauku celotajs rural tourism directory.

It is quite easy to extract birch-sap, however, it would be advisable to have a knowledgeable person tell you how it is done the first time, so not to hurt the trees.

Extracting birch-sap is a traditional way Latvians spend their weekends in the spring, and is also a good reason to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.