Pasteurization and Storage of Honey#
1 . Why do some beekeepers advocate pasteurizing honey?
Honey contains yeasts that cause fermentation when the moisture content is over 18.6-19%. These yeasts can be killed by heating honey to 160 degrees for a short time. Heating honey will also cause the delay of granulation by dissolving the small crystals present in raw honey which form the nidus for granulation. Heating also thins the honey which makes it easier to finely filter the honey.
2 . So why not pasteurize honey? What are the disadvantages of heating honey?
Because heating alters the taste and health benefits of honey. Honey contains enzymes that remain stable under 100 degrees but have decreased activity at 120 degrees. The higher the heat, the more the effect. Most enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 160 degrees and are also destroyed in a microwave oven.
3 . Should we filter honey? Why or why not?
Honey is commonly coarsely filtered to remove sugar crystals, air bubbles, particles of beeswax and other debris like bee parts. Filtering makes honey bright and clear and gives honey a longer shelf life without granulation and better appearance. However finely-filtering honey removes much of what makes “raw” honey healthy including pollen, beeswax and propolis.
4 . How should honey be stored?
Honey should be stored in glass, stainless steel or food grade plastic. Honey will absorb various metals from non-food grade plastics like copper, iron, tin, aluminum and should be avoided. Honey kept in a freezer will not deteriorate or granulate if stored below 30 degrees.
5 . Why is capping wax the very best beeswax that can be harvested?
It is virgin wax from that season
Capping wax is free of accumulated debris and contaminants
It has a pleasing aroma
It is a beautiful lemon-yellow color
6 . Is it OK to eat beeswax from chunk or comb honey?
It has long been believed that honeycomb is good for you in moderation due to benefits on the digestive tract and cholesterol. Studies from UGA demonstrate that one gram of beeswax a day can help lower cholesterol.
7 . Is eating honey good for my allergies?
It has been reported that eating local honey helps with allergies. Recently Great Britain has shown that eating raw honey from anywhere helps with allergies.
8 . Why should the collection of pollen be limited for an individual hive?
Pollen is the protein source for the colony and is necessary for colony health and productivity. Collection of pollen should be limited to no more than every other day especially when colonies are in their highest growth phase.