Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Products Of The Hive => Topic started by: Jen on October 28, 2015, 01:36:03 pm

Title: Dark capped honey vs light capped honey
Post by: Jen on October 28, 2015, 01:36:03 pm

I inspected one of my hives yesterday, and to my surprise and delight, this hive produced 2 med frames of capped honey/syrup. Now, I fed syrup all of September so I know that some of the cappings contain syrup. Some of the frames are darker than the others. Can bees turn syrup into a darker color? Is there a way that I can tell if it's honey from nectar or honey from syrup?

I would like to rob 3 frames for myself and would like those frames to be from nectar if possible.

Title: Re: Dark capped honey vs light capped honey
Post by: Perry on October 28, 2015, 06:49:19 pm

I don't think you will be able to determine which is which. I would pass on it given you were feeding.

Title: Re: Dark capped honey vs light capped honey
Post by: riverbee on October 28, 2015, 07:55:51 pm

jen, the color of the 'honey' is determined by the source of the nectar collected. for example, basswood is very light in color, dandelion medium to dark color, goldenrod is darker in color.  here is the kicker....... cappings can range in color........... ;D from very white to a not so very white...........

given your situation jen, like perry said, i would pass and not harvest 3 frames; there is most likely syrup mixed in with whatever nectar they may have collected and most likely syrup.

sorry jen, just saying........... :)

Title: Re: Dark capped honey vs light capped honey
Post by: Jen on October 28, 2015, 10:38:49 pm

That is good to know and Thanks!