Honey Extraction

Honey should be around 18.6 percent moisture or less when it is harvested to prevent fermentation. If harvesting honey on a large scale, a dehumidifier can be placed in the room with the honey frames to decrease moisture. A hobby bee keeper can tell if the honey is ready when it is capped at roughly 70 percent. A refractometer can be used to test the exact moisture content if necessary. Once the moisture content has been assessed, a heated knife is run over the surface of the comb or a textured roller is used to punch holes in the comb. A textured roller removes less wax and saves the bees time in repairing damaged comb once it's placed back in the hive. Centrifugal force is used in a honey extractor to spin the comb until the honey is released onto the sides of the extractor and runs down into the valve.

[@MrGoosePit]

I really enjoyed watching this excellent series, and all the other videos on the Forest Farming channel. Looking forward to seeing more. Thanks to all involved for making these productions available.

[@exforestfarming]

+MrGoosePit So glad to read your comment! Thank you for checking out our channel and if you have any questions, please feel free to visit our website, articles.extension.org/forest_farming. You'll find ample reading material on non-timber forest products along with other helpful resources like the "Ask an Expert" link which will connect you to a qualified eXtension agent.

[@robertanderson8218]

thank you for your series on bee keeping. It's very interesting and informative. You do a great job explaining the different aspects of keeping bees.

[@exforestfarming]

+Robert Anderson Thank you so much for watching our channel!

[@barbll000]

I've never seen a roller before for opening capped cells. Very cool and I like the idea of less repair work for the bees. Can you tell me where I can get one? Thanks.

[@exforestfarming]

Hi Barbara, Here's a link to a retailer: www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/Roller-Uncapper/productinfo/729/ Thanks for checking out our channel!

[@exforestfarming]

Although, after reading the reviews, they seem to be pretty polarized. That might be due to personal preference though rather than the product performance.

[@barbll000]

Thanks for the link. I have a refractometer now so am able to check the honey. So far this year everything is under 18%