Hi Stan:

One of the reasons that honey from a wax melter is discolored is that bits
of propolis in the wax / honey mix seem to dissolve in the heated honey.
Since the propolis is typically a dark brown, it makes the honey look
caramelized.

If you are using a wax melter with hot water below and radiant electric
heaters above, the radiant heat can make the temperature of parts of the top
surface much hotter than the average temperature.

If the heat is provided with steam or hot water through unplated metal
pipes, the metal will react with the acids in the honey and wax and cause
discoloration. Other reactions with and among the minor constituents of the
honey and wax will occur at elevated temperatures, discoloring both wax and
honey.

The advantage of the fondant in our winter is that it is placed above the
cluster and that is where the bees gravitate toward as the honey in the comb
is consumed. When it is really cold bees don't seem to move out or down to
honey.

                                    Best regards

                                    Donald Aitken
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stan Sandler" <[log in to unmask]>

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