> I've sometimes wondered whether one can reliably/accurately > check the moisture content by measuring the specific gravity -- > something that can be done with simpler & cheaper tools that a > refractometer. Anyone know? Refractometer. Current price some =A3240 Hydrometer. " " " =A325 I am still using a hydrometer bought half a lifetime ago. It may not be as accurate as a refractometer but it is accurate enough to determine whether the honey is safe to keep. Agreed it must be kept in the test sample for 24 hours but that is no great problem. It clearly registers whether the water content is too high, 1.412 is considered the danger point, water content just on 19%, or whether the honey will keep for ever, 1.430 and above. Most of my honey ranges from 1.420 to 1.430 and above, water content 17.8% to 16.2%. In reply to another query I have always found that honey can safely be extracted with around 10% open cells. Someone has already suggested another test which should be made, Shake the comb. If the honey falls out it is too weak. In this case, for the hobbyist, spin the combs briefly before uncapping. This will remove the weak honey and it can be set aside for early consumption. Sid P. _________________________________________________________________ Sid Pullinger Email : [log in to unmask] 36, Grange Rd Compuserve: [log in to unmask] Alresford Hants SO24 9HF England