Eunice D. Wonnacott wrote: > > >Does anyone have any advice,pro or con,on using tartaric acid in sugar syrup? > >It is advertised in the Betterbee catalog this year.The ad states that "when > >added to sugar syrup,helps to keep the sugar in solution and makes it easier > >for the bees to metabolize the sugar." Any comments? Thanks > > Garry Libby [log in to unmask] > > > > This is also known as cream of tartar, and is used in combination with > sodium bicarbonate to produce baking powder.>( Am I correct in this??) If > this is accurate, then it is used in some icings (cooked) to prevent > granulation ;of the sugar. (FWIW) > > EDWDear Garry I have never heard of tartaric acid being used in syrup but I have used it when making sugar candy (emergency feed) The receipt which used to be in Thorne's catalogue is - 1 pt of water, 6lbs of sugar and 1teaspoon of cream of tartar. I have never questioned this and assume that the cream of tartar made the candy softer. I have never noticed any ill effects on the bees. I have often given the bees a block of candy at christmas. Harry