The color of Honey

[gdog]

Ok, I've been working bees for 8 years now, I know the color of honey during the different times of year. I have never replaced my old comb that the bees have made. I am curious if I do have old comb (dark) will the darkness transfer over to the honey when I spin it out. This years harvest done in June had much darker honey than I have ever had before. Does this make sense?

[mikecva]

It makes no difference. You are correct in thinking it depends on where the nectar comes from. -Mike

[gdog]

This year was odd, florescent green pollen and bright red pollen have never seen that before, on top of the normal yellow.

[GSF]

My color was different this year as well. Usually my first pull is pretty light colored. This year it was dark, darker, darker, and now on the 4th pull (I can't believe it either) it's a tad darker.

[BeeMaster2]

My first year I had the darkest honey I have every had. Usually the spring honey is the lightest and the next 2 pulls it is darker.
Jim

[Jim134]

Ok, I've been working bees for 8 years now, I know the color of honey during the different times of year. I have never replaced my old comb that the bees have made. I am curious if I do have old comb (dark) will the darkness transfer over to the honey when I spin it out. This years harvest done in June had much darker honey than I have ever had before. Does this make sense?

If you are talking about harvesting brood comb it sure at will make the honey dark.


                     BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

[bwallace23350]

I always heard that spring honey was a lot clover and clover honey is very light coloured.

[Dallasbeek]

This year was odd, florescent green pollen and bright red pollen have never seen that before, on top of the normal yellow.

A friend was telling me just yesterday about once having some honey that was fluorescent.  Said it almost glowed in the dark.  Any idea what could cause that?  (nowhere near a nuclear reactor -- lol)

[Jim134]

My honey doesn't glow in the dark. But my bees do I'm within half a mile for the nuke Power Plant. LOL Yankee nuclear power plant Vermont.



          BEE HAPPY Jim. :)

[Dallasbeek]

Is it still operating?  I thought they closed it.

[Jim134]

Is it still operating?  I thought they closed it.

Yankee nuclear has been closed for about a year in Vermont. Something to remember no fuel rods have ever left Yankee nuclear power plant has ever been brought there. They do have a license for another 40 years to keep the fuel rods in place.
Rumor has it this is where Homer Simpson work one time hahaha

               BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

[mtnb]

I crushed and strained the honey that was in the brood comb that I got from my cut out. It is SUPER dark. And very flavorful. I probably shouldn't be eating it but it's really good. I'm told it probably has some bee poop in it and such but I'm really not that sensitive though, so...lol The rest of the honey is pretty light, just like the stuff I'm getting here in my yard, about 5 miles away.

[GSF]

I don't "think" the bees would leave any poop in there unless they were pretty close to collapse.

[mtnb]

No? The way someone said to me is that right before the pupa emerge they defecate? But I didn't google that or anything. lol

[Michael Bush]

I think it's just an illusion that honey in dark brood combs ends up darker.  I see no difference.  There is, however, some evidence that honey from old brood comb has more antibiotic properties than honey from new wax...  someone posted the study on one of these forums recently...

[mtnb]

So you're saying they keep the most nutritious honey to feed to the brood and give us the left overs? lol Well, it's good to know that it's alright to eat it. Thanks Mr. Bush.

I've been reading the threads religiously but haven't come across that study you mention.

[Michael Bush]

It was probably on another forum.  I will keep an eye out for it.