_To Strain Dense Honey._--Most bee-keepers have had experience of the
difficulty of straining dense honey, and most of them are agreed that
the old-fashioned method of squeezing it through a strainer is far from
satisfactory. It is a tedious, messy process, calculated to try the
patience and temper of the mildest of men.
The alternative method, though not perfect, is, in my opinion, far
preferable. This is of heating the honey by the water-jacket principle
to reduce its density. The great point in it, of course, is to apply
just sufficient heat to affect the honey without melting the wax. Great
care is needed in this respect, for if the wax melts and mixes with the
honey straining is hopeless and the sale spoilt.
When dealing with small quantities the vessel of honey can be placed
in a pan of boiling water on the fire. For larger quantities the
extractor, or a large milk-can--provided it be not galvanised--may be
used, and suspended over or in a copper full of boiling water. It is
advisable, however, not to heat more than three inches of honey at
one rime, for there is the liability of having the honey nearest the
side of the vessel hotter sooner than that in the centre. This may
be obviated to a degree by stirring it while it is heating. To avoid
altogether the risk of overheating it is better first to warm the honey
sufficiently for it to pass through a coarse strainer and then repeat
the operation through a finer one.
=Storing and Bottling Honey.=--It is far better to keep honey in bulk
than to store it in small bottles or jars, for there is no question
that the flavour is thereby retained to a greater degree. It should be
stored in a perfectly dry place, for it has the property of absorbing
moisture. Especially is this shown in connection with sections, for
they generally contain a few cells that are only partially filled or
imperfectly sealed.
=Marketing Honey.=--In dispatching honey it will be found that the tin
vessels supplied by the appliance makers are the most convenient, for
they are light, and, if properly packed in a box or crate, are not very
liable to damage. The bee-keeper who lives any distance from the market
will find it more profitable to sell his honey in bulk rather than to
bottle it for sale, for, after buying bottles, allowing for carriage
and breakages, the small apparent advantage vanishes.
Sections should be graded according to the colour of the honey and
weight of the combs. Attractive cases may be obtained in which to place
them, but before being put therein the sections must, of course, be
cleaned of all odd pieces of wax and propolis that are generally found
adhering to them when taken from the hive.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account