>I need to know also.
>
>
>
>At 01:08 AM 5/20/96 -0800, you wrote:
>>
>>When harvesting honey, what percentage of uncapped cells can be tolerated
>>without spoilage of the honey?  Do the frames need to be almost totally
capped?
>>
>>I figure this is a pretty basic question and not of general interest so please
>>send response directly to: [log in to unmask]
>>
>>Thanks!
>>Jay Jones
 
It is difficult to give a definitive percentage, because it depends on the
moisture content of both the capped and uncapped honey.  I think that 5%
would generally be safe, and you might go higher if the uncapped honey is
nearly ripe.  I don't consider myself any kind of an expert, but I responded
mainly to make one point:
SHAKE THE FRAMES VIGOROUSLY!  If the honey comes out easily then it is quite
thin and not suitable for extracting.   A little could be shook in with the
cappings (already drained) because the melter will concentrate it somewhat.
I can't tell you the upper limit of what you can put in because I have not
had any honey ferment on me yet, thankfully.  I have never had 10% uncapped,
but I only harvest and extract once in the fall.  The book Hive and the
Honeybee has an excellent section on extracting.
 
Good luck and may your honey moisture always stay under 19%      Stan