> I have read that it is a bad idea to invert sugar using acid as it
> generates HMF, which is bad for bees.  Is that true?
>

Bailey did studies on winter stores long ago and invert sugar leads to
about a 15% winter loss of bees. Problem with 15% is the loss is so small
that it is generally not noticed by the beekeeper, especially if they use
the invert sugar every year. That observation often leads to the comment
that "I use it with no problems".

He inverted the sugar with tartaric acid, often cited as part of the recipe
for fondant or candy in Bee books. I think it was in my first copy of The
Hive and the Honey Bee. Boiling will invert the sugar but the addition of
acid insures it.

That 15% more bees out of winter makes a big difference as the year goes
along.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html