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Author Topic: how to remove excess moisture from honey?  (Read 7654 times)

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Offline tedh

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how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« on: July 31, 2016, 01:32:32 pm »
Josh and I extracted some honey yesterday (just under 15 gallons!) and have it in 3 honey buckets with gates.  We tested the moisture in each and the results are, 17.3, 17.5, 18.  We are concerned with fermentation and wonder if we need to dry it a bit.  If memory serves we need to get it below 17.3.  It seems as though I remember something about using empty hive boxes and a trouble light with a 60 watt bulb to accomplish this.  Or, maybe that was the set up to warm honey frames for extraction.  Waiting anxiously for input ;D!  Thanks Everyone!

To be clear: I'm sure the higher readings were Josh's fault!
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Offline rober

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2016, 01:37:19 pm »
17.5 & below are ideal but you should be ok at 18 unless you have a lab grade $300.00 plus refractometer there's a plus/minus of 1-2 points in the inexpensive units.
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Offline Perry

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2016, 02:23:35 pm »
You'll be fine. What you described was how to warm honey and re-liquefy it.
To reduce moisture content you would put it in a closet with a dehumidifier and stir it every few hours. 18% is good in my books.
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Offline iddee

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #3 on: July 31, 2016, 02:35:06 pm »
18.6 is good.
18.7, not so good.

PS. If you have doubts, send it to me. I'll check it and disperse as needed.   ;D
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Offline tedh

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #4 on: July 31, 2016, 03:18:17 pm »
Thanks Everyone.  It sounds like we're good to go.

Iddee,  I'm afraid the shipping would kill me!   Ted
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Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2016, 03:37:21 pm »
LOL, If you want his honey dont EVER try his maple syrup!!!!

   For future reference Brother Ted...    Put the 5 gal buckets of honey in an enclosed room, the smaller the better. Put a fan in there, and a dehumidifier.   I brought 25 gal of honey in 5 gal buckets down from 19.2 to 17.4 in about two and a half weeks.
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Offline apisbees

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #6 on: July 31, 2016, 04:57:17 pm »
Poor 1/2 the 18% in a empty bucket Pore the 17.3% in to the 2 1/2 buckets of 18% Stir to mix it all together and all 3 pails will be good to go at under 17.6% as Iddee said.
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Offline tedh

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #7 on: July 31, 2016, 07:01:23 pm »
Thanks Apis, I was wondering if that would work.  For clarification which is safe from fermentation, 17.6 or 18.6 ?
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Offline apisbees

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #8 on: July 31, 2016, 07:09:08 pm »
For clarification their are a bunch of factors that will effect the fermentation of honey Moisture the first and temperature the second, third the fermentation spore count that is in the honey. 17.6 is the regulation for moisture in honey to be sold as the top grade.
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Offline iddee

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #9 on: July 31, 2016, 07:11:40 pm »
18.6 in N.C.

http://www.ncbeekeepers.org/honey/nc-honey-standard

Moisture content is about half way down.
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Offline tedh

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #10 on: July 31, 2016, 07:26:00 pm »
It's true.  Nothing about this is simple save the simple pleasure of watching a healthy hive go about its business.  Thanks guys.
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Offline Perry

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #11 on: July 31, 2016, 08:34:44 pm »
Quote from: tedh on July 31, 2016, 07:26:00 pm
It's true.  Nothing about this is simple save the simple pleasure of watching a healthy hive go about its business.  Thanks guys.

 :yes: :yes: :yes: :D
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Offline lazy shooter

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #12 on: August 01, 2016, 08:21:51 am »
Does honey ferment due to excess moisture, or does it crystallize?  Seriously, I am confused.

lazy 
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Offline iddee

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Re: how to remove excess moisture from honey?
« Reply #13 on: August 01, 2016, 08:24:59 am »
Ferments... It will crystallize at 16% or less.
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