On Fri, 8 Nov 1996, Allen Dick wrote:
> >
> >    An interesting discussion here at honey harvest time noted that
> > freshly uncapped honey tasted best.  (Subjective judgement, but
> > widely agreed to.)
>
> I think that there may be *some* that *could* benefit, but generally
> speaking, exposure to air -- even in extracting -- results in loss
> of volatiles that provide flavour, and some addition of oxygen, which
> will result in chemical change.
>
> Nothing beats honey in the comb for flavour.
>
> For entering (and winning) competitions, honey should be pressed
> from the comb with a spoon to avoid having it fly through the air as
> it does in extracting.
>
 
Allen and others,
 
This year I got my first moderate harvest from my top bar hives.  I did a
lot of splitting, and with the bad spring of the year, and with my
learning to manage tbh's...I only got about 9 gallons (US).
 
I made a press using an automobile scissor-type jack, and I then pressed
the honey out of the virgin combs.  Strained it, let it settle overnight,
then bottle the next morning. Many of my limited number of customers (this
year :) ) say that it is the best honey they have ever eaten.  Guess it's
close to comb honey.  Got 6 lbs. of beautiful beeswax too!
 
Now, if I can get the colonies through the winter ok...Spring will be
acomin'.
 
Best wishes to all for good overwintering, and to our friends in the
southern hemisphere...hope you have bumper crops.
 
Cordially yours,
 
Jim
 
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  |  James D. Satterfield        |  E-Mail: [log in to unmask]       |
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  |  258 Ridge Pine Drive         Canton is about 40 mi/64 km   |
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