> >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? Unfortunately, there is absolutely no direct relationship -- in spite of popular belief to the contrary -- between percentage of capped cells, and moisture content. There *is* a relationship, but it is not direct or consistent. We try to extract before any significant amount of capping takes place unless ambient moisture is high (Rainy weather, etc.) Chances are greater of accidentally extracting nectar during a flow if cells are uncapped - - especially if honey is pulled late in the day, however uncapped honey *can* be quite ripe and ready to extract. If we waited until all the cells were capped here, we would be dealing with honey at 14 - 15% moisture. Far too dry. Like everything in beekeeping, this is an question where rules are a poor substitute for experience and observation. A lot depends on your area and beekeeping style. The old bee people in your own area can best advise -- but be sure to ask several. And try the honey (with a spoon) before extracting. And if you can shake it out of frames, it is definitely too wet. Remember, the moisture will be an average, so if one frame has dry honey, and another wet, the result will be something between. Regards Allen W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask] Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/>