Harvesting honey is the reward for the hard work beekeepers put in through the season. But the harvest process is a task on its own. Let’s discuss the essential techniques for extracting, filtering, and storing honey, along with crucial safety precautions and quality control measures. 
 
Honey extraction methods 
 
Harvesting honey begins with the extraction process, which involves removing honey produced by honey bees from the honeycombs. There are three most common methods. 
 
Method 1: Manual extraction 
 
The traditional process begins with sweeping the bees off of the honey frames. Using a bee brush, gently remove the bees from the frames without disturbing the bee colony. Next, bring the frames inside to a clean, bee-free area, and use an uncapping knife or fork to remove the wax cappings that lock the honey in the cells. 
 
Now the honey is ready to be extracted.  Scrape the honeycomb into a large, clean container that has a faucet. Once all of the frames have been scraped, open the faucet to allow the honey to trickle into another storage container, such as a bucket. Use a net screen to remove wax particles. 

Method 2: Crush and strain 
 
The crush and strain method is a variation of the manual extraction approach in which the honeycombs are crushed to release the honey and then strained to remove wax and debris. This method is perfect for small-scale beekeepers who prefer a more hands-on approach. 
 
Method 3: Mechanical extractors 
 
Mechanical extractors are more efficient and less labor-intensive. These devices use centrifugal force to spin the honey out of the combs. Remove the wax cappings from the frames and place them inside the extractor. As the extractor spins, honey will leave the combs and collect at the bottom of the drum. 

 
Honey filtering techniques 
 
Once you extract the honey, it’s time to filter it to remove impurities such as wax particles, bee parts, and other debris. Filtering ensures the honey is pure and ready for your family and other consumers. There are two general strategies: double straining and fine-mesh filtering.  
 
A double-layered strainer can effectively filter both large and small particles. The first layer collects larger debris, while the second layer captures finer particles, yielding clear, high-quality honey. 
 
However, if you want even finer filtration, consider using fine mesh filters. They are typically made of nylon or stainless steel and can capture particles as fine as 200 microns. This method ensures that the honey is exceptionally clear and completely free of impurities. 
 
Safety precautions for harvesting honey 
 
Here’s how to protect you and your bees during the harvest:  

• Always wear protective clothing, including a bee suit, gloves, and a veil, to prevent bee stings.
• Use a bee smoker to calm the bees before opening the hive. The smoke masks alarm pheromones and reduces the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
• Handle the frames and bees gently to avoid injuring the bees or causing undue stress to the colony. 

Storing honey 
 
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and longevity of honey. Here are a few key considerations for you to keep in mind.  

• Temperature. Store honey at a consistent temperature, ideally between 50°F and 70°F. Avoid exposing honey to extreme temperatures, which can cause crystallization or fermentation.
• Containers. Use airtight containers made of glass or food-grade plastic to store honey. These containers prevent moisture and air from entering, preserving the honey's quality.
• Darkness. Store honey in a dark place to prevent light exposure, which can degrade the honey's quality over time. A pantry or cupboard is an ideal storage location.

Honey quality control 
 
Maintaining high-quality honey is essential for any successful honey production, big or small. Quality control measures include: 

• Capped honey. Only harvest honey from frames with at least 90% capped honey. Capped honey has the right moisture content.
• Moisture content. Use a refractometer to measure the moisture content of the honey. The ideal moisture content is below 18%, ensuring the honey is stable and unlikely to ferment.
• Cleanliness. Ensure all equipment used in the extraction and filtering process is clean and sanitized to prevent contamination.

Packaging honey  
 
Finally, package the harvested honey to preserve its quality and make it appealing to consumers. Here are a few tips. 

• Clearly label each container with the type of honey, the date of harvest, and any relevant information about the bee colony or flowering plants from which the honey was collected.
• Choose attractive and functional containers that are easy to seal and store. Glass jars are a popular choice due to their aesthetic appeal and airtight sealing capabilities.
• Pay attention to the presentation of your honey. High-quality packaging reflects the quality of the honey inside and promotes your beekeeping brand.

Honey harvesting supplies from A to QC 
 
Follow these techniques for extracting, filtering, and storing honey to ensure your honey is safe, delicious, and long-lasting. And get everything you need for your beekeeping needs in our complete selection of supplies.