How and why we use a honey refractometer. Includes an explanation of the yeast in honey, facts on fermentation and honey refractometer calibration. www.beeculture... en.wikipedia.o...
Hello Bob. I check the moisture of my honey randomly. While extracting. With an extractor like y’all have. I would like to have what they call a pocket digital refractometer, but it cost around $450. It’s not feasible for me buy one.
Be sure you purchase a honey refractometer too! I mean even Amazon carries refractometers affordably. But the range they operate are different depending on what you use it for. I have a bad saltwater fish hobby and the refractometer for saltwater looks exactly the same and the case color is the same. And yes I grabbed it once and put honey on it and chuckled as I tried to read % moisture. Guess you have a practical joke working in the back of your head now Bob. Switch out your employees fav refractometer with a saltwater refractometer and get it on tape! Be ready to edit a few choice words out tho😊!
Thanks Louie and Bob for sharing this video. I don't have a drying room but I do my supers under a fan just like my friend Bob binnie does. Matter of fact I beekeep like Bob and his crew does. I split to prevent swarming like Bob does it works every year. I haven't had a hive to swarm on me for like 4 years now. Thanks to the Binnie method and Bob and crew I am a better beekeeper. Thanks again Bob! I love Blue Ridge Honey Co.
We have had small batches of packaged honey for own use that were wet we kept it frozen until it was needed for eating or baking . A refractometer would have saved the hassle 🙄
I'm paying $3.50 a pound for locally produced honey and sell it for $4.20. Retail of course would be higher. These prices fit our region and could be much different somewhere else. Also, this is wholesale and does not include the bucket cost.
This year we have very light honey that seams to be a little runnier but when under the refractor last years and this years both come up 16. Any thoughts
It's an ATC which makes at least two versions of inexpensive refractometers that I'm aware of. Oddly enough they don't have an actual model number on the one we sell. It just says ATC. You can order the one shown in the video from our store. If interested call 706 782 6722.
Something i learned with these type, (because it says in instructions)that if temp changes 5° you have to recalibrate. My honey shed is outside and i have to constantly recalculate. Im hoping to get one like Kaymon uses....unfortunately they're over $400:(
Another good video Bob. Have you posted a video on blending honey? When buying different honey flavors all over the country how do you get a similar tasting product? All of the packers here in Canada either target Canola or Golden rod profiles. I would like to try real Sourwood honey, do you ship to Canada?
Hi Bob, Is capped honey also vaunrable to ferment? If yes, then how the bees keep the honey? Asking because, I had a full super of fully capped honey which smelled quite pungent and I was advised the honey was from privet to have such flavour.
I have experienced capped honey in supers fermenting a few times. It happened during very hot and humid conditions. Apparently the bees can metabolize a bit of alcohol without getting sick just as we humans can. Too much is a problem though (just like humans). It's not ideal but they can do it.
Bob I have a suggestion for a video, what to do with frames of packed out pollen and how to keep the bees from making them. I'm thinking the latter will have to do with keeping them queen right and keeping the push down into the bottom box.
Hey Bob can you dry honey in a 5 gallon open bucket with a small fan blowing in it and stir it several times a day? I am about to make some cabbage honey (i hope soon)😁
Interesting video on refractors. Louie said most people use the brix scale to measure the moisture content in their honey.,when Louie tested the honey he gave us the measurement of 16 %. What was the brix number?
Thanks for sharing this I have 1 and I did not know how to set it mine came pre set and I did not know how to check it and reset it. stick my honey in a drying room because I seen you Bob do it. it is my kitchen with fans and 2 dehumidifiers I do it for 2 days. Bob do you have hive beetles problems and what do u do if you find them hatching in your frames I freeze them and give them back to the bees. Anyway this was great It was nice to see seth did he have his baby yet. When are you going to share the video with Rodger and the extender release oa. Have a Blessed week
Seth does have a baby boy now that is apparently growing like a weed. We leave our supers in the drying room for 3 or 4 days with little trouble. I hope to share a video of Greg soon.
Another good video Bob. Have you posted a video on blending honey? When buying different honey flavors all over the country how do you get a similar tasting product? All of the packers here in Canada either target Canola or Golden rod profiles. I would like to try real Sourwood honey, do you ship to Canada?
So you are calibrating at 71.5 with olive oil. My refractometer is reading 69 on the Brix scale with olive oil... how do I get it up to 71.5 or do I need to?? Will having a lower Brix reading affect the water content reading of the honey tested? If so how or what water content number do I need to be shooting for? I have the blue box model refractometer.
@@bobbinnie9872 Thank you Bob! Now I understand and have made the appropriate adjustment to get an accurate reading! Going to share this video with my fellow club members as we always have a batch of new beekeepers and second year keepers, whose bees survived a winter, who have a honey crop to harvest!
BOB - I moved to GA from Colorado & this will be my first year pulling honey in GA. I’m about 2 hours south of you. I have heard that in the south if you don’t extract within 3 days of pulling supers that SHB larvae will hatch in your supers and ruin your crop. Have you ever experienced or heard of this? Thanks BOB!
That can be correct depending on the situation. If your supers are virgin comb and there isn't any pollen present you can go a long time. We generally go 3 or 4 days in our drying room with little trouble.
Thanks Bob, great content as always!!! May i ask what other test do you make with the recieved honey to make sure it is not mixed with high fructose syrup or the bees fed with sucrose syrup during harvest? Or any other considerations... Thanks for your great advises !!!
Under the rules of the inspections we go through we are required to send in samples for chemical contaminants which have always been OK on. The state of Georgia does spot checks for sugar adulteration but we do not. I try to know the people we buy honey from for that.
It's used more on Brix because every vine producer has a bunch of them. We use it to measure the sugar content in the grapes to determine when will the harvest start. It's a totally different science than beekeeping. Almost equally interesting but I like bees a bit more
Bob what I like best about your videos is you explain those How's, Why's and What's of beekeeping's finer points so well. Thanks for another informative video. 😁Blessed Days Bob and Company.👍 I have a difficult time seeing the line on mine. I think mine has the Brix, I didn't know that thanks so much Bob and Lewy. Oh Bob you mentioned that Gallberry honey when you did that video with him down in Florida, I commented there was a plant/berry that looked real similar up here in SW WA. Turns out this is called a Salalberry. (Gaultheria shallon)
Our club (Wiregrass Beekeepers Association of SE Alabama) has a refractometer. Individual members can borrow the refractometer, and we bring it to meetings during extracting season.
Another excellent video Bob. Could you do a quick video sometime on maintaining and keeping and apiary clean of overgrowth? What methods and how often?
Thank you for this. I didn’t know about the Brie reading. I knew it was there, but never knew what it meant. I have the one in the blue box, so will pay more attention to Brix as well as the moisture. 😊🐝
Bob you were very kind when we brought honey that was too thin for you to taste. Thank you and as an aside I have heard different artificial lights might affect the refractometer reading so we check ours with natural light and olive oil
Another great video. I am the beekeeper from Ohio that also has a home in Blairsville, GA. My brother lives at Lance Crossing on SR 129 between Murphy, NC and Blairsville, GA. I noticed that someone had established an apiary at the entrance at Lance Crossing. Just wondered if they were your hives? Didn't count the number of colonies, but I would guess around 35-40.
Had a friend extract honey from his Flow hive. A week later he called and asked me to check his honey because it was smelling funny. I took my refractometer and found out his honey was 19.5% and fermenting. He was truly sick about losing his honey.
Thats big boss moves Seth. Bob seems genuinely happy to be buying honey from you. What a great opportunity. Blackberry flow just started out here in Oregon. It's a crazy weather year.
Thanks. Fermentation would not cause that. Honey that is very high in dextrose will crystalize quite hard and fast. I have heard of certain types of honey turning to a gel or thickening up.
Just a quick note BUT make sure you get one THAT IS FOR HONEY!!!!!!!. There are different kinds but if you are purchasing from Bob he has you covered. If you are purchasing on line make sure it says for honey.
Hello Bob. I check the moisture of my honey randomly. While extracting. With an extractor like y’all have. I would like to have what they call a pocket digital refractometer, but it cost around $450. It’s not feasible for me buy one.
I have one, it's calibration is with distilled water. When you get one you will love it.
Be sure you purchase a honey refractometer too! I mean even Amazon carries refractometers affordably. But the range they operate are different depending on what you use it for. I have a bad saltwater fish hobby and the refractometer for saltwater looks exactly the same and the case color is the same. And yes I grabbed it once and put honey on it and chuckled as I tried to read % moisture.
Guess you have a practical joke working in the back of your head now Bob. Switch out your employees fav refractometer with a saltwater refractometer and get it on tape! Be ready to edit a few choice words out tho😊!
Should recalibrate with every 5* temp. change.
Thanks Louie and Bob for sharing this video. I don't have a drying room but I do my supers under a fan just like my friend Bob binnie does. Matter of fact I beekeep like Bob and his crew does. I split to prevent swarming like Bob does it works every year. I haven't had a hive to swarm on me for like 4 years now. Thanks to the Binnie method and Bob and crew I am a better beekeeper. Thanks again Bob! I love Blue Ridge Honey Co.
Would using your finger to spread olive oil and honey on the refractometer slide change the reading levels? I use a glass stir stick. Just a thought.
Just found out you will be coming to my state for the Big bee Buzz. So Looking forward to it. Cheers
I am looking for your video on conference I don’t see you were a blue shirt can you please send too me
We have had small batches of packaged honey for own use that were wet we kept it frozen until it was needed for eating or baking .
A refractometer would have saved the hassle 🙄
Thank you this descroption.can it test refractometry of honry moisture and sugar content?
Yes for moisture.
Curious what a hobby or sidelining beekeeper can sell a bucket or drum of honey for.
I'm paying $3.50 a pound for locally produced honey and sell it for $4.20. Retail of course would be higher. These prices fit our region and could be much different somewhere else. Also, this is wholesale and does not include the bucket cost.
Have you ever used a digital honey refractometer, and if so, what was your experience?
I have not but I know some larger packers and beekeepers do.
I had forgotten about young Seth. Is he still with you, or has he branched out on his own?
Seth is working on his own now. We see him from time to time and he's doing fine.
This year we have very light honey that seams to be a little runnier but when under the refractor last years and this years both come up 16. Any thoughts
I couldn't explain that. 16% is a good place to be in my opinion. You might recalibrate your refractometer to make sure.
@@bobbinnie9872 71.5 brix with EVOO
Does anyone know the model and make of the refractometer? I went on Bob’s website and could not see any refractometer there
It's an ATC which makes at least two versions of inexpensive refractometers that I'm aware of. Oddly enough they don't have an actual model number on the one we sell. It just says ATC. You can order the one shown in the video from our store. If interested call 706 782 6722.
@@bobbinnie9872 tyvm Mr Binney. Will do so.
Something i learned with these type, (because it says in instructions)that if temp changes 5° you have to recalibrate. My honey shed is outside and i have to constantly recalculate. Im hoping to get one like Kaymon uses....unfortunately they're over $400:(
Another good video Bob. Have you posted a video on blending honey? When buying different honey flavors all over the country how do you get a similar tasting product? All of the packers here in Canada either target Canola or Golden rod profiles. I would like to try real Sourwood honey, do you ship to Canada?
A video on blending would be fun but we're not too sophisticated in our approach. We're currently not shipping to Canada but that could change soon.
Hi Bob,
Is capped honey also vaunrable to ferment? If yes, then how the bees keep the honey?
Asking because, I had a full super of fully capped honey which smelled quite pungent and I was advised the honey was from privet to have such flavour.
I have experienced capped honey in supers fermenting a few times. It happened during very hot and humid conditions. Apparently the bees can metabolize a bit of alcohol without getting sick just as we humans can. Too much is a problem though (just like humans). It's not ideal but they can do it.
Bob I have a suggestion for a video, what to do with frames of packed out pollen and how to keep the bees from making them. I'm thinking the latter will have to do with keeping them queen right and keeping the push down into the bottom box.
We generally move them to the outside of the brood nest and add empty comb to the center if we have it.
Hi sir Bob how do you sells one of refractometer for
Hey Bob can you dry honey in a 5 gallon open bucket with a small fan blowing in it and stir it several times a day? I am about to make some cabbage honey (i hope soon)😁
If you stir often it will work.
Use an aquarium bubbler
Interesting video on refractors. Louie said most people use the brix scale to measure the moisture content in their honey.,when Louie tested the honey he gave us the measurement of 16 %. What was the brix number?
I think it's between 81 and 82.
Good morning Bob, do you like the digital refractor? Just curious which type of refractor you feel would be better for accuracy?
To be honest I've not used one. I'm guessing that the expensive ones are probably more accurate.
Bob, what is the brand of the Honey Refractometer that you sell. I see that you do not sell equipment online.
"Poree". Most inexpensive refractometers sold these days come from this company in China.
Thanks for sharing this I have 1 and I did not know how to set it mine came pre set and I did not know how to check it and reset it. stick my honey in a drying room because I seen you Bob do it. it is my kitchen with fans and 2 dehumidifiers I do it for 2 days. Bob do you have hive beetles problems and what do u do if you find them hatching in your frames I freeze them and give them back to the bees. Anyway this was great It was nice to see seth did he have his baby yet. When are you going to share the video with Rodger and the extender release oa. Have a Blessed week
Seth does have a baby boy now that is apparently growing like a weed. We leave our supers in the drying room for 3 or 4 days with little trouble. I hope to share a video of Greg soon.
Your website says your sold out of them. Can I back order it?
We just got some in and they can be ordered by calling our store at 706 782 6722.
Another good video Bob. Have you posted a video on blending honey? When buying different honey flavors all over the country how do you get a similar tasting product? All of the packers here in Canada either target Canola or Golden rod profiles. I would like to try real Sourwood honey, do you ship to Canada?
Good morning
God Bless ❤❤❤
So you are calibrating at 71.5 with olive oil. My refractometer is reading 69 on the Brix scale with olive oil... how do I get it up to 71.5 or do I need to?? Will having a lower Brix reading affect the water content reading of the honey tested? If so how or what water content number do I need to be shooting for? I have the blue box model refractometer.
If it is like ours there is a cap on top covering a screw that can be adjusted to calibrate. If your Brix reading is off your water scale will be too.
@@bobbinnie9872 Thank you Bob! Now I understand and have made the appropriate adjustment to get an accurate reading! Going to share this video with my fellow club members as we always have a batch of new beekeepers and second year keepers, whose bees survived a winter, who have a honey crop to harvest!
BOB - I moved to GA from Colorado & this will be my first year pulling honey in GA. I’m about 2 hours south of you. I have heard that in the south if you don’t extract within 3 days of pulling supers that SHB larvae will hatch in your supers and ruin your crop. Have you ever experienced or heard of this? Thanks BOB!
That can be correct depending on the situation. If your supers are virgin comb and there isn't any pollen present you can go a long time. We generally go 3 or 4 days in our drying room with little trouble.
@@bobbinnie9872Thanks Bob
Hi Bob any recommendations for drying honey if you don't have a drying room
I really don't. Honey drying machines are available to purchase.
Thanks Bob, great content as always!!!
May i ask what other test do you make with the recieved honey to make sure it is not mixed with high fructose syrup or the bees fed with sucrose syrup during harvest? Or any other considerations...
Thanks for your great advises !!!
Under the rules of the inspections we go through we are required to send in samples for chemical contaminants which have always been OK on. The state of Georgia does spot checks for sugar adulteration but we do not. I try to know the people we buy honey from for that.
@@bobbinnie9872 Thanks Bob, you are amazing !!!
Hey Bob how do we count spore levels? -thanks
It would take a lab capable of doing that. I don't know how to do it myself.
Thanks
If it is all capped honey will it be the right moisture content
Also a video crystallized honey would be cool
About crystallized honey
I have had capped honey ferment a few times. Rare but it can happen.
Unrelated question.
Just what beesuit do you have that you can wear it around. Every full suit i pit on and 10 minutes later im drenched in sweat.
100% cotton is helpful.
@@bobbinnie9872 I'm finding that locating one is not the easiest. All have a blend
@@carpenterandhisbees We carry them. Call our store at 706 782 6722 and ask for Katie.
How do you test the yeast spore count?
That is something I don't know how to do.
Good Morning Bob !
Good morning sir!
Yeah, the band is back together!!!! John and Seth and Jesse are back in the house!!!!
It's used more on Brix because every vine producer has a bunch of them. We use it to measure the sugar content in the grapes to determine when will the harvest start. It's a totally different science than beekeeping. Almost equally interesting but I like bees a bit more
Yea it's basically used in almost all greenhouses for almost all fruits and vegetables etc
And near simultaneously, beekeepers grab their EVO to recalibrate their refractometers 😂
I never start extracting until I have tested moisture. I run fans and a dehumidifier to ensure dryness.
Good morning to you and the crew.
Perfect timing. I need to calibrate mine.
Bob what I like best about your videos is you explain those How's, Why's and What's of beekeeping's finer points so well. Thanks for another informative video. 😁Blessed Days Bob and Company.👍
I have a difficult time seeing the line on mine. I think mine has the Brix, I didn't know that thanks so much Bob and Lewy.
Oh Bob you mentioned that Gallberry honey when you did that video with him down in Florida, I commented there was a plant/berry that looked real similar up here in SW WA. Turns out this is called a Salalberry. (Gaultheria shallon)
Thank ya sir for some good info!
Our club (Wiregrass Beekeepers Association of SE Alabama) has a refractometer. Individual members can borrow the refractometer, and we bring it to meetings during extracting season.
Another excellent video Bob.
Could you do a quick video sometime on maintaining and keeping and apiary clean of overgrowth? What methods and how often?
Thanks Bob, as always great info, I use a refractometer but haven’t calibrated it, I certainly will now! lol
Thanks again!
Thanks Bob, I had wondered how often I should calibrate my refractometer. Also good to know about the temperatures affecting readings.
Thank you for this. I didn’t know about the Brie reading. I knew it was there, but never knew what it meant. I have the one in the blue box, so will pay more attention to Brix as well as the moisture. 😊🐝
Thanks I asked you about them at the expo and got it with the brix scale so when I get a good day I’m going to calibrate and check supers!
thanks Bob. great video!!
Bob you were very kind when we brought honey that was too thin for you to taste. Thank you and as an aside I have heard different artificial lights might affect the refractometer reading so we check ours with natural light and olive oil
Another great video. I am the beekeeper from Ohio that also has a home in Blairsville, GA. My brother lives at Lance Crossing on SR 129 between Murphy, NC and Blairsville, GA. I noticed that someone had established an apiary at the entrance at Lance Crossing. Just wondered if they were your hives? Didn't count the number of colonies, but I would guess around 35-40.
I don't have any in that area and don't know who that would be. There are a number of beekeepers over that way.
Hola es un genio usted 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝👍👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks Bob and Louie
Good morning Bob. Thank you for the video, great information.
Good morning and thank you.
Had a friend extract honey from his Flow hive. A week later he called and asked me to check his honey because it was smelling funny. I took my refractometer and found out his honey was 19.5% and fermenting. He was truly sick about losing his honey.
It doesn't take long for most honey at that moisture level.
Love it Seth makes a quick appearance.
The more we watch your videos the more learn, Thank You!
Good morning Bob, the refractometer sure helps us “see the light” or better yet the water content in our honey!
Thats big boss moves Seth. Bob seems genuinely happy to be buying honey from you. What a great opportunity.
Blackberry flow just started out here in Oregon. It's a crazy weather year.
Hello Bob .... why does my honey get brick hard after about 2 weeks, because of fermentation?? Your videos are so informative.
Thanks. Fermentation would not cause that. Honey that is very high in dextrose will crystalize quite hard and fast. I have heard of certain types of honey turning to a gel or thickening up.
Good morning Bob. Nice vid.
Thank you and good morning.
Perfect timing Bob. Was trying to decide which one to buy.
Can always trust Bob for information
Just a quick note BUT make sure you get one THAT IS FOR HONEY!!!!!!!. There are different kinds but if you are purchasing from Bob he has you covered. If you are purchasing on line make sure it says for honey.
Thank you for the video Bob and Louie, I never knew about adjusting mine and I just did and I changed it about 1.5. Appreciate it!