Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Tyro on March 02, 2010, 02:52:37 PM

Title: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: Tyro on March 02, 2010, 02:52:37 PM
I have about 3 gallons of THICK 2:1 syrup left over from last fall.  It is clean and clear - no mold and has been kept VERY cold since about October or so.  I would like to add a little bit of water to it and heat it up a bit (just to get it flowing again) and put it on the bees. 

Will this be safe to do?

Thanks
Title: Re: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: Kathyp on March 02, 2010, 02:53:20 PM
should be fine.  in the future, you can freeze it.
Title: Re: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: Tyro on March 02, 2010, 02:54:54 PM
Well, it has been in a covered container in my garage for the duration of our North Dakota winter.

I would guess that it has spent most of that time frozen! 
Title: Re: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: Michael Bush on March 02, 2010, 11:56:58 PM
How long will syrup keep is like asking how long a ham salad sandwich will keep... it depends...
Title: Re: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: schawee on March 03, 2010, 12:34:59 AM
IF IT HAS NO MOLD IN IT ,IT WILL BE OK
Title: Re: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: Two Bees on March 03, 2010, 09:13:23 AM
I froze 3 gallons of 2:1 syrup last fall with no problems.  The interesting thing is that is never froze to a solid, just a really thick syrup about the consistency of honey!

Title: Re: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: Tyro on March 03, 2010, 09:21:10 AM
Quote from: Two Bees on March 03, 2010, 09:13:23 AM
The interesting thing is that is never froze to a solid, just a really thick syrup about the consistency of honey!

That is right where mine is now!  The consistency is incredible - almost semi-solid.

Any advice on re-heating it?  Should I add some water to loosen it up?

Title: Re: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: Finski on March 03, 2010, 01:34:28 PM

You may heat it in micro wave oven in 3 litre doses. heat it to hand warm temperature.

Don't fill the bive with syrup that they have space for brood.

2-3 full food frames are enough.
Title: Re: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: kedgel on March 05, 2010, 08:47:29 PM
If it isn't fermented, you should be fine.  I can't keep syrup here in FL for more than a couple of weeks without it fermenting.  TOO HOT!  8-)

Kelly
Title: Re: How long will syrup keep?
Post by: Sparky on March 05, 2010, 09:01:38 PM
If you were to have any question of it's integrity, I would add a small cap of bleach to the mix. Portion wise (no idea).