Well my son and I extracted honey this afternoon. We weren't sure what to expect because we have had an extended drought this year in Central Texas with not much of a spring honey flow as far as wildflowers go. Out of three hives we got 10 deep frames of honey, the rest was left for the bees. There was brood in all three boxes and not a whole lot of honey. We will begin feeding the bees tomorrow. Would of done it today but almost got heat stroke dealing with the bees. It was hot!!! :x My question is this. What causes dark, extra thick honey? The last two years we have gotten really good honey, not too light but very good tasting. This honey tastes kind of nutty and looks like molasses. I have a hunch that its because the yaupon hollies were the only thing for the bees this year or maybe grass or tree pollen or something. Any thoughts? BTW my wife likes the honey anyway but I think its a little wild tastin. Thanks for any input.
The color of honey is determined by the nectar source. If the drought eliminated many of the traditional sources that have a lighter nectar like blackberry or fireweed then the honey color will reflect that.
Not knowing your area I can't address the exact source of the nectar that might have the dark color such as buckwheat.