> by boiling some water
> and pouring it into two jars
> then adding sugar at the proper ratio.
>
> The result was slightly tea colored
> unlike earlier batches that were clear.

Hmmm.  Boiling water with sugar added after the boil will not reach
temperatures high enough to caramelize the sugar.  You state the syrup was
not clear like previous batched.  Are the any other variables that changed
between the batches?  Thick syrup (2:1) will be darker than thin syrup
(1:1).  Possibly you're making a thicker syrup?  OR, might the source of
your sugar have changed?  Possibly you have a less refined batch of sugar
this time which could account for the difference in color.  Or possible your
sugar was dirty.

I would rule out caramelization as a concern.
If you attribute the color difference to thicker syrup, no concern.
If you suspect a less refined sugar you're in a gray area.  The less refined
the sugar, the more "undigestibles" you bees will have to deal with.  You
did not give location so I am not sure how confined your bees will be during
winter months, and who knows what kind of a winter is on tap regardless
where you're located.  But the more "undigestibles" your bees consume, the
greater will be their needs for cleansing flights.

Should you throw the syrup away?  Dunno.  The question you need to answer
(doubtful you'll get this answer on BEE-L) is why is your syrup darker.

Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee!

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