There are a couple of methods of extracting honey from the comb. The first and most important step is removing the wax cappings that seal the honey inside each cell. Whether you use a hot knife, cold knife, uncapping roller, uncapping slicer, or any other tool, it is probably the most important step to the honey harvesting process. Without it, there is no way to access the honey (unless you plan on consuming the entire honeycomb – which is a valid option). The wax capping works incredibly well as a waterproof barrier between the honey and the air to keep honey safe – so removing the cappings first is key to extracting the honey.
There are two methods used to extract honey from the comb:
- Using an extractor
- This method involves using a tool called an extractor. They come in different sizes to accommodate various numbers of frames and can either be mechanical or motorized, but they all work the same. By placing the frames equidistant from each other in the barrel, the extractor spins the frames quickly to dislodge the honey from the frames. The honey will pool at the bottom of the extractor. A spout at the bottom allows the honey to drain into a bucket for filtering and storage.
- Crush and strain
- This simpler method requires no special equipment. The comb is cut out of the frame, crushed in a bucket, and then poured through a sieve or strainer to separate the honey from wax and debris. While it destroys the comb, it’s straightforward, inexpensive, and perfect for small-scale or first-time beekeepers.
Both methods have similar steps – filing off the wax cappings, getting the honey out of the honeycomb, and straining the honey are the main steps for both methods. No matter which route you choose, the end result is the same – pure, delicious honey ready to enjoy.
