Step 1. Preparation

Harvest

Each apiary is harvested separately with every super identified by apiary and hive.

Essential supplies

Containers, strainers, refreshments, supplies, and first aid, all on hand.

Equipment setup

Cleanliness is essential. Everywhere is steam cleaned and surfaces are covered to contain the inevitable stickiness.

Step 2. Extraction process

Sort frames and uncap

Frames are sorted by weight, cappings are removed, and the prepared frame is put into the extractor. All cappings drain into a single bucket. Each hive's harvest is extracted separately as far as possible.

Extract area

An electric extractor takes the strain out of spinning heavy frames.

Extract

Frames are spun just fast enough to expel the honey by centrifugal force. Too slow and it won't budge. Too fast and the delicate honeycomb structure fractures.

Step 3. Storage

Into settling tank

Extracted honey is strained into a bucket then decanted into a settling tank. Wet cappings are returned to the hive for the bees to take down the residue then recovered licked clean and dried.

Into buckets for storage

It sits in the settling tank for a while to allow remaining small particles to separate before being decanted into buckets..  

Long term storage

Stored honey is identified by season, apiary, hive, and water content. A small jar is kept aside as a sample for tasting and granulation monitoring.

Honey from minimal processing for maximum goodness

Comb honey

Whole frames are set aside for those that prefer their honey direct from the hive without any processing. Some like to have whole frames, some prefer it cut into sections.

Honey cosmetics

Sticky sticky sticky. Cappings face-pack is apparently very soothing.

Labelling

Honey is identified throughout the extract and storage process and finally replicated on the packaging. This makes each jar, cut comb, or whole frame, traceable by season, location, apiary, and hive.

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For more about our prepared honeys and sales, ​
​please see Our ​Honeys page

Our Honeys