Different Honey from the same yard?

Sprig · August 12, 2009, 09:23:42 AM

I have heard quite a bit about getting different flavors of honey from different locations, but I extracted two supers from two hives in the same location and they are way different. One is dark and the second is almost clear. Both taste great the darker one has a more buttery taste to it. The light is smoother with a very light taste that is hard for me to explain. How often does this accrue getting different tasting honey from the same yard with hives basically right next to one another?

Cossack · August 12, 2009, 09:26:51 AM

It depends on the particular nectar flow that your Hive has found and is working.

Enjoy it...

Mike.

WayneW · August 12, 2009, 11:18:24 AM

I only have 3 hives ( 2 soon, one is failing and wont make winter) but i got a few frames off each. 1 hive gave me the thinner golden honey like you;d see in the store. Another gave me a deeper color (and somewhat stronger flavor) honey, and the 3rd (which is sadly the one im losing) gave me thick, thick molassas color dark brown honey that is AWESOME!!!!! It's all good :-P

Brian D. Bray · August 13, 2009, 01:45:34 AM

Bees from the same bee yard do not necessarially forage on the same flowers, hence the difference in consistancy/taste in the honey between the 2 hives.

qa33010 · August 13, 2009, 11:22:44 PM

Had the same thing happen in '06 with two hives right next to each other. The tastes were totally different and this helped get some folks interested in raw compared to 'store bought' honey and a couple others have started to keep bees. I look at it as an added bonus since I never combine honey from one hive with another, giving me a variety without the work of moving them. :evil:

JP · August 13, 2009, 11:43:28 PM

We extracted some honey this spring where about three frames had one type honey on one side different type on the other side. Some was light and crystalized within three weeks, the majority was a darker amber and is still liquid.

...JP

Joelel · August 14, 2009, 03:12:21 PM

Quote from: Sprig on August 12, 2009, 09:23:42 AM
I have heard quite a bit about getting different flavors of honey from different locations, but I extracted two supers from two hives in the same location and they are way different. One is dark and the second is almost clear. Both taste great the darker one has a more buttery taste to it. The light is smoother with a very light taste that is hard for me to explain. How often does this accrue getting different tasting honey from the same yard with hives basically right next to one another?

Each hive sends out scouts to find nectar and pollen. Each hive may be gathering from a different source. If you watch your bee hives ,many times different ones will be coming in with different color pollen,that means a different source.