In a message dated 97-06-15 08:11:48 EDT, [log in to unmask] (Greg Hankins) writes: << So, is there anything to this notion that sealed honey improves as it ages in the hive? >> I've never found this true. Dandelion nectar is bitter, but, as soon as it is capped, it is a nice honey. I don't know how the bees work out the bitterness. Likewise goldenrod smells awful and tastes a bit rank when as nectar, but makes a nice, spicy tasting honey when capped. As you say, if you leave comb honey on too long, it will get travel stained. I'd rather not leave it any longer than necessary. There ARE honeys that are gross and rank. But I don't think time will heal them. The bees don't seem to mind getting these for their winter feed. [log in to unmask] Dave Green Hemingway, SC 29554 Practical Pollination Page http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html