Extracting Honey from Hive to Jar (Pure & Natural)

1. Preparing the Hive

Choose frames from the hive that are capped with wax.

Bees seal honeycombs with a thin wax layer once moisture is reduced to a stable level.

Ensure the honey is ripe (fully capped frames usually mean <18.6% water content).

2. Uncapping

Use an uncapping knife or fork to gently scrape away the thin wax caps from the cells.

Collect the wax separately (can be reused for candles, balms, etc.).

3. Extraction

Place the uncapped frames into a honey extractor (a centrifuge).

Spin slowly at first, then increase speed.

The centrifugal force pulls honey out of the comb cells without damaging them.

Honey flows down the walls of the extractor and collects at the bottom.

4. Filtering (Minimal, Non-Processing)

Place a coarse sieve or food-grade strainer under the extractor’s honey gate.

This removes bits of wax and debris but does not heat, pasteurize, or alter the honey.

Result: raw, unprocessed honey exactly as the bees made it.

5. Settling

Allow honey to sit in a clean, sealed bucket for 24–48 hours.

Air bubbles and fine particles rise to the top, making bottling cleaner.

6. Bottling

Use a honey gate valve at the bottom of the bucket.

Fill jars directly—no additives, no blending, no heating.

Seal immediately to keep moisture out.

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🧪 Using a Honey Hydrometer

A honey hydrometer is a simple glass instrument that floats in honey (usually diluted for measurement) to measure specific gravity, which correlates to water content.

Purpose

To ensure honey has low enough moisture to avoid fermentation and preserve quality.

International standards: usually ≤18.6% water content for “ripe” honey.

How to Use

1. Sample Preparation

Some hydrometers are made for honey directly; others require dilution.

For pure honey hydrometers, gently pour honey into a tall test jar.

2. Temperature Control

Honey viscosity changes with temperature.

Standard calibration is often 20°C (68°F).

Use a thermometer and correct results if needed.

3. Insert Hydrometer

Slowly lower the hydrometer into the honey sample (or diluted sample, depending on type).

Let it float freely without touching the sides.

4. Reading the Scale

At eye level, read the scale where the honey surface touches the stem.

Most honey hydrometers show % water content directly (e.g., 16%, 17.5%).

If using a specific gravity hydrometer, convert SG to water % using a standard honey moisture conversion chart.

Interpretation

<16% water: Very thick, often prized but may granulate faster.

16–18.6% water: Ideal range, stable for long-term storage.

>19% water: Risk of fermentation; should not be sold as premium honey.