On Tue, 1 Aug 1995, Frederick Chase asked:
 
>Now I have a new question:  today I took off another super of these
>comb honey containers and my sampling of it seemed to indicate
>that the honey was not "ripe" yet even though it was capped over.   Is that
>possible?  If so, how long should I wait before giving it
>to this charity?  I want the buyers to be pleased with it.
 
The bees cap over the honeycomb after they have reduced the moisture
content of the nectar to less than 18% water and added the proper enzymes.
As soon as it is capped, the honey is ready for consumption.  Some plants
will make a very bitter honey which the bees don't mind, but your customers
will.
 
>If it is not yet ready for eating I suppose I should not store it in
>my freezer, should I?
 
If it is not edible after you extract it, either return it to the bees or
use it to make mead.  Storage of honey at temperatures below 50 degrees F.
(10 degr. C) will retard changes in color, taste characteristics and
granulation.
 
Dan Salemson
Chapel Hill, North Carolina