[Alram]

What am I seeing when I look at a cell of pollen in the hive and I see what looks like coarse crystals of salt on top of the pollen?

 

[JWPalmer]

There is a good chance you are seeing shreds of capping wax. I believe the dearth has started in your area too and the bees are possibly getting into their stores. Could also be sugar crystals. Pictures help.

 

[clong]

What am I seeing when I look at a cell of pollen in the hive and I see what looks like coarse crystals of salt on top of the pollen?

Like this?

https://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?339137-Crystalline-Honey&p=1563719#post1563719

See second photo.