Harvesting Honey

Harvesting honey is one of the most rewarding aspects of beekeeping. Here's a guide to help you through the honey harvesting process:

Timing the Harvest: Wait until your bees have capped most of the honey cells before harvesting. Use a bee brush to gently remove bees from the frames, and always leave enough honey for your bees to sustain themselves through the winter.

Extracting Honeycombs: Once you've removed the frames from the hive, use a bee escape or fume board to encourage bees to leave the frames. Extract honey using a honey extractor, crush and strain method, or other suitable techniques depending on your preference and equipment.

Bottling and Storing Honey: After extracting honey, filter it to remove impurities and particles. Bottle the honey in clean, dry containers, and store it in a cool, dark place. Be sure to label your honey with the date and hive it came from for future reference.

Respecting Your Bees: Harvesting honey is a collaborative effort with your bees. Always consider their needs and well-being during the process. A sustainable and thoughtful approach to harvesting ensures a healthy, thriving hive.