Honey Extraction

Session 3

Honey Extraction

Honey Extraction, a rewarding moment for any Hobby Beekeeper

Traditionally honey was squashed out from the combs by hand, destroying the combs in the process. These days purpose-built tools and equipment are commonly used to allow a clean and efficient way of extracting honey without destroying the combs. After extraction the frames with empty combs are usually returned back to the beehive for a refill. These frames with emptied combs are commonly referred to as "Stickies".

The Honey Extraction Process consists of:

1. Uncapping the honeycomb, using an Uncapping Fork
2. Spinning the honey out in a Honey Extractor
3. Filtering the honey through a Honey Strainer
4. Allow some time for the honey to settle
5. Bottling the honey in jars or tubs

These tools and equipment are commonly used:

Uncapping Fork

Honey extractor

Honey Extractor

Honey strainer

Honey Strainer

As with any food preparation it is understood that all tools, equipment, utensils, trays, buckets, jars etc. are clean and sterilised.

It is also important to work in a room bees have no access to as the scent of honey will attract all bees from the neighbourhood. Extracting honey under the carport is not an option.

Most Hobby Beekeepers would not set up a permanent and dedicated Honey Extraction Facility but use their home kitchen as work environment for extracting honey.

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