"Peter Dillon" wrote: > that Apis cerana. indica only produces approx. 3 to 5kg. of honey /year, I was in Kerala, S. India, earlier this year and saw many very prosperous cerana colonies. Since returning home, I have exchanged many emails with contacts out there and understand that they have had a very good year with an extended flow from the rubber plantations. The average yield had been 18kg per colony. However, I would have some concerns about the quality of the honey, due to processing methods. I saw much galvanised equipment, including honey storage tanks, and the very humid climate seems to give very wet honey - 4 samples that I was given tested at between 21.75% moisture (from mellifera and 1 batch from cerana) to 23.75% (from cerana). As far as I could ascertain, honey was heated to quite high temperatures (bottles put into water at near boiling point) in order to clear and prevent fermentation. I do not have the ability to test for HMF, but I suspect that levels may well be higher than those allowed in the EU. Peter Edwards [log in to unmask] www.stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk/ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::