Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: knob21 on November 07, 2009, 07:57:44 PM

Title: Honey Problem?
Post by: knob21 on November 07, 2009, 07:57:44 PM
Harvested my first sellable honey this. 103 one pound bottles. Well I harvested it about 4-5weeks ago but now the stuff i stored in the cellar (cool and dry) is now turning opaque with a granular stiff consistancy. Is this normal? :?
Title: Re: Honey Problem?
Post by: Hemlock on November 07, 2009, 09:13:20 PM
What the honey is doing is crystallizing.  It is natural for honey to do this when stored in a cool environment; i.e on the floor in the pantry or in a cellar.  I t is called 'Creamed Honey' and some people prefer it to liquid honey and can be sold as such. 

To revert it to liquid honey place it in a warm water bath. 
1).  Boil water in a 2 quart sauce pan
2).  Remove the pan of boiling water from the heat source
3).  Place jar of creamed honey in pan.  (don't let water get in the honey!)
4).  When the water is cool the honey should be liquid again

It is a matter of preference nothing is wrong with your honey. 

1/4 of all my honey crystallized last year before we ate it.  When it is crystallized it is easier to use.  No dripping.

Title: Re: Honey Problem?
Post by: Michael Bush on November 07, 2009, 09:28:11 PM
The faster it crystallizes the smoother it is.  I just let it.
Title: Re: Honey Problem?
Post by: annette on November 08, 2009, 12:27:41 AM
Remember you are not boiling the honey in water.  Just  follow what Hemlock has written and you will be fine with it.

Personally, I just love the crystalized honey so much.
Title: Re: Honey Problem?
Post by: c10250 on November 09, 2009, 11:00:40 AM
Throw all of your jars in your hot tub over night.
Title: Re: Honey Problem?
Post by: Kathyp on November 09, 2009, 12:16:38 PM
i prefer mine that way.  i had some crystallize perfectly a few years ago, and have kept it as starter for each batch after.  if it's not chunky, but fine crystallization, you may find that people like it that way.