Description
At Kahiltna Birchworks/Alaska Wild Harvest we are producers of pure Alaska birch syrup. While not traditionally considered farmers (we are not growing the birch trees); we are farmers in the sense that we harvest the sap from the trees - currently 11,000 - during a brief and intense harvest period each spring. At a ratio of 110 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup - compared to 40:1 for maple; birch syrup is difficult to produce. It is also quite rare - less than 4000 gallons produced worldwide - and most of that here in Alaska. We produced 1,300 - 1,500 gallons in each of the past four seasons.At this time (2017) we are the world's largest producer of birch syrup. In making pure birch syrup, birch sap is concentrated to pure syrup; nothing is added in this process. Our birch breakfast syrup, also certified organic, is produced by concentrating birch sap to about 60% and then adding organic evaporated cane juice. This is a lighter and more economical alternative to pure birch syrup, but still offers that wonderful "birchy" flavor. See our website for more information on birch syrup production and the other wild harvested products we make, such as chaga, wild berry syrups, jams and condiments, plus our newest product Alaska Wild Birch Water. Come visit our Birch Syrup Taste, Tour, and Shop facility, conveniently located on the way to Talkeetna at Mile 1.1 S Talkeetna Spur Road - only a mile off the Parks Highway, at mile 99. We offer a fun and educational tour of the facility revealing the joys and difficulties of a short and intense harvest. Try all of our birch syrup and berry products, along with select other Alaskan food products in our tasting room. See how birch syrup changes through the short three week harvest. We have some taste treats too - local ice cream with local flavors, including - of course! - Birch ice cream, snacks and baked goods, smoked salmon, good coffee and chaga tea - another locally harvested product, and tastes of our new birch water beverages - the sap direct from the tree infused with Alaska berries. You can enjoy your beverages and ice cream in our picnic area surrounded by our bountiful vegetable and flower gardens. Our All Alaskan gift shop focuses on Alaskan food products and fine, functional art - local pottery, wood bowls, birch utensils, and tiles. We have a great selection of cooking, foraging, and outdoor oriented books and a selection of our favorite children's books, local botanical soaps and body care products, and the best is ... we can ship it all home for you in a flat rate box! We are a true "goods from the woods" Alaska cottage industry, and emphasize sustainable use of Alaska's forest resources. Good stewardship and conservation of our forests is essential to the health of our people and the fragile ecosystems in which we hunt, fish, and gather. Come share in our vision - we look forward to your visit! If you are looking for an Alaskan adventure, we hire "sap suckers" every spring, as interns to help with harvest and to help run the tours and gift shop in the summer. Call or email if you are interested in more details.
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