The Process
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Harvesting
Once the honey is ready (typically when the frames are fully capped with beeswax), Tim carefully removes the honey-filled frames from the hive. This usually involves using a hive tool to pry the frames out gently.
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Uncapping
The honeycomb frames are then taken to an extraction area, where the beeswax caps are removed from the honey cells. Tim does this with an uncapping knife or fork, which scrapes or cuts away the wax.
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Extracting
Tim places the uncapped frames in a honey extractor, a machine that uses centrifugal force to spin the frames and fling the honey out of the cells. The honey collects at the bottom of the extractor.
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Filtering
After extraction, the honey is strained through a medium-mesh or 400-micron filter to remove any remaining beeswax, pollen, or other impurities. This helps in achieving a clear, smooth consistency.
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Settling
The filtered honey is left to settle in a tank, allowing any air bubbles or fine particles to rise to the top. This can take a few hours to a day.
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Bottling
Once settled, the honey is ready for bottling. It is poured into sterilized jars or bottles, often through a spigot or a funnel to avoid spills and contamination. They are then sealed to ensure freshness and prevent leakage.