feeding honey back

[Deano]

hi all, been busy lately ,but need a little help. my brother in law put his honey in a 55 gal drum. he used a drum warmer on it. honey got too hot .is there some way to feed this to the bees? it just too dark to sell.,but still taste good. thanks

[Michael Bush]

I've fed old, dark honey to bees. I have not fed overheated honey to bees. I can't say how much effect either has, but the old dark honey sometimes gives them some dysentery. I'd be afraid the overheated honey would be worse. The enemy in this case is HMF (Hydroxymethyl furfural), a naturally occurring compound in honey that rises over time and rises when honey is heated and is not very good for bees.

[Grant]

I'd hesitate feeding it to the bees.

If you're not in a hurry to get rid of it, you'd be surprised how many people will still buy dark honey. I have people ask for it specifically. I have a section of my table at the farmer's markets with the dark stuff. Moving a 55-gallon drum will take a little time.

All is not lost, as long as it still has good taste.

Grant
Jackson, MO

[BEES4U]

I would suggest selling the honey to a baker.
Regards,
Ernie
Lucas Apiaries

[blkcloud]

I get dark honey all the time, and actually prefer it..bottle it and sell it..