Local business in Talkeetna uses tubing method for sap collection | Homepage [Video]

Community members inside Talkeetna gathered at the Hammers Family Birch to learn more about and celebrate a new technology for collecting sap more easily.

The technology utilizes a long tube that allows the sap to travel into one large container.

“Connected to this tubing system, which is basically a web of tubing out in the woods, connecting 5,500 to 6,000 trees. And as the sap flows, it goes down into the tubes,” explained Tom Hammer, co-owner of Alaska Birch Syrup.

During a tour of the facility, a big cooking machine stood out.

“It’s boiling down the sap into syrup,” said Hammer.

Last year, Michael East and his wife sold the business to the Hammer family and their friend Chris.

“Tubing method is a game changer. We’ve done tubing for ten years. We didn’t have the system we have now,” said East.

Some people on the tour enjoyed the taste of the birch soup that’s often used in cooking and …