Maya Ellison
Honey extraction is a multi-step process that involves harvesting, uncapping, extracting, filtering, and bottling. When it comes to plastic frames, there are a few methods to consider. One popular method is to use foundationless frames, which prevent the bees from drawing the comb in strange patterns. Another method is to use Ross Rounds, which are frames with circular plastic dishes that bees use to make combs and store honey. Simply remove the round dish, honey, and cap it. If you're using an extractor, you'll need to remove and reserve the wax cappings, then place the uncapped frames into the baskets within the extractor. It's important to note that the frames should be at least 80% capped before harvest, and the process should be done indoors to avoid attracting bees.
How to Harvest Honey from Plastic Frames
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | August or September |
| Frame Capping | 80% capped, 100% capped is better |
| Tools | Uncapping knife, cappings scratcher or fork, uncapping roller |
| Location | Indoors, in a clean, food-safe space |
| Extraction Method | Use foundationless frames, cut with a hot, sharp knife, or use an extractor |
| Post-Harvest | Replace frames in the hive for bees to refill |
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What You'll Learn
Using an extractor
- Before using an extractor, you must first remove the stored honey from the hive. This involves brushing off the bees from each frame with a bee brush or using a bee repellent.
- Once the frames are free of bees, you can start uncapping the honey. Use a hot knife or an uncapping knife to carefully cut off the wax cappings. Try not to cut too much of the honeycomb.
- After removing the majority of the wax, use a fork or an uncapping tool to scrape open any cells that are still capped.
- Now, it's time to place the frames in the extractor. If you have a two-frame extractor, there will be two baskets for the frames, placed directly across from each other. For a four-frame extractor, there will be four baskets. Balance the weight of the frames to avoid an off-balance situation.
- Close the lid of the extractor and start spinning. The spinning motion throws the honey out of the cells, and it drips down the inside of the extractor, collecting at the bottom.
- When the extractor is full of honey, open the valve at the bottom to let the honey flow into a bucket. You may need to strain the honey to remove any remaining wax or impurities.
- Finally, clean your equipment thoroughly and let it air dry overnight. Ensure there is no water left in the equipment, as this can cause the honey to ferment.
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Uncapping frames
The frames should be at least 80% capped, but 100% capped is ideal. The bees will cap the honey when they are satisfied with its transformation from watery nectar to honey, which should have less than 18% water content. If you harvest too early, the high water content may lead to spoiled or fermented honey. If this is the hive's first year, leave any honey for the bees so they have enough resources during the winter.
There are different methods for uncapping frames. One method involves using an extractor, where you will remove and reserve the wax cappings, then place the uncapped frames into the baskets within the extractor. Spin the frames in batches, ensuring that each load is balanced to avoid damaging the extractor or the frames. After extracting the honey, replace the frames in the hive so the bees can fill them again.
Another method is to stretch a clean frame over a five-gallon bucket and scrape the frames into the bucket. Once the bucket is full, hang it over the bucket to let the honey drain through. You can then return the wet and sticky frames to the hives, where the bees will clean them up or start refilling them.
If you are using plastic foundation frames, there are a few additional considerations. One option is to use foundationless frames in your super, but you can only use five per super, with foundation frames on every other frame. This prevents the bees from drawing the comb in strange patterns. Another option is to use Ross Rounds, which are frames with circular plastic dishes that the bees use to make the comb and store honey. You can simply remove the round dish, honey, and cap it.
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Extraction location
When it comes to choosing an extraction location, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to choose a designated area specifically for honey extraction. This area should be separate from your kitchen or living spaces, as the process can be messy and may damage surfaces.
The extraction location should also be easily accessible and have enough space to accommodate all the necessary equipment, including the extractor, frames, and storage containers. Additionally, the area should be well-ventilated to allow for the strong smell of honey, which will attract bees and other insects. It is crucial to ensure that the extraction location can be sealed off from these insects, especially bees, to prevent them from accessing the exposed honey.
Some beekeepers opt for outdoor extraction locations to avoid the mess and smell associated with the process. However, this is not advisable due to the high risk of bees detecting the honey and becoming a nuisance. Instead, a garage or shed can be a suitable alternative, providing both space and relative isolation from the main living areas.
It is also important to consider the cleanliness of the extraction location. The area should be food-safe and free from contaminants. All surfaces that come into contact with the honey should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised before and after each extraction session. This helps prevent fermentation and ensures the honey remains pure and unadulterated.
Lastly, the extraction location should be well-organised, with all the necessary tools and supplies easily accessible. This includes items such as an uncapping knife (either heated or cold), a cappings scratcher or fork, an uncapping roller, and a strainer or filter for the honey. Having a designated space for each piece of equipment ensures a smooth and efficient extraction process.
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Harvesting equipment
Harvesting honey can be done with or without an extractor. For beginners, it is recommended to purchase a honey harvesting equipment kit that contains all the basic supplies needed to extract honey without an extractor.
If you are using an extractor, you will need a 2-frame or 4-frame hand crank extractor, which spins the frames of honeycomb so fast that the honey is thrown out of the cells, leaving the honeycomb intact. The extractor is made from stainless steel and has a drain with a shut-off valve at the bottom. When extracting honey, the valve must be open so that the honey can drain out. A stainless-steel double honey sieve can be placed on top of a 5-gallon pail under the extractor outlet to filter out wax particles and honeybee parts.
If you are not using an extractor, you can use the crush and strain method. This can be done by cutting the honeycomb from the frames and squishing it over a strainer, or eating the comb whole. A paint strainer, such as a plastic mesh bag that fits over a 5-gallon bucket, can be used to strain the honey and separate it from the wax. Alternatively, you can use a weighted lever to squash the honeycomb and collect the honey that squeezes out.
Other equipment that may be useful during the honey harvesting process includes a cappings scratcher, a bee brush or bee repellent, a hairnet, clean clothes, and bottles for storing the harvested honey. It is important to clean all equipment thoroughly after harvesting honey to prevent fermentation.
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Timing of harvest
The timing of honey harvest is crucial to ensure the quality of the honey and the well-being of the bees. Here are some detailed guidelines for determining when to harvest honey from plastic frames:
Firstly, it is generally recommended to harvest honey in August or September. This allows the bees to fully ripen the honey, transforming it from watery nectar to a stable form with less than 18% water content. If you harvest too early, the high water content may lead to spoiled or fermented honey.
Secondly, it is important to monitor the capping of the frames. The bees cap the honey when they are satisfied with its ripeness. Before harvesting, it is best to wait until the frames are at least 80% capped, with 100% being the ideal scenario. This ensures that the honey has reached the desired consistency and flavour.
For new beekeepers, it is important to leave the honey for the bees during the first year. They will need these resources to survive the winter. Established hives also require some honey to be left behind, as bees typically have a better chance of survival when eating their own honey during the colder months. Supplemental feeding with sugar syrup or winter food may be necessary if the harvest reduces their food supply.
Additionally, consider the weather conditions and the availability of nectar-producing plants in your area. Ensure there are enough blooms to support the bees' honey production and their own nutritional needs after harvesting.
Lastly, be mindful of the extraction and bottling process timeline. Uncapping and extracting honey should be done indoors in a clean, food-safe space. Choose a designated area and protect surfaces from sticky spills. The extraction process can be messy, and bees will be attracted to the smell of exposed honey, so it is not advisable to extract outdoors.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an extractor, uncapping knife (electric heated or cold), cappings scratcher or fork, uncapping roller, and a bucket.
The honey extraction process involves multiple steps, starting with harvesting (selecting and collecting the frames you’ll extract), then uncapping, extracting, filtering, and bottling.
Remove and reserve the wax cappings, then place the uncapped frames into the baskets within the extractor. The extractor spins, and the centrifugal force drives the honey out of the frames. Spin the frames in batches until all of your selected frames have been harvested.
Most often, you’ll extract honey in August or September. Occasionally, high production allows for an early honey harvest. Frames should be at least 80 percent capped — 100 percent capped is even better — before harvest.
The cleanest way to get nicely packaged whole comb honey is to use Ross Rounds. It is a system that has frames with circular plastic dishes that the bees make the comb and store honey in, you just remove the round dish, honey and all, and put a cap on it.
