Honey harvest 2016 is (most likely) in the books. One 8 frame medium super was removed from "Hive B" with the help of a newly acquired escape board that didn't actually work all that well. Lots of work with my smoker and a brush was necessary to remove the remaining inhabitants from the box. We were lucky to have some company to help with the rest of the process.
We removed the comb filled frames from the box. Because we use frames without any foundation, the bees build all of their own comb. In order to harvest the honey, we actually have to crush the comb which releases the honey into a mixture with the wax comb.
After the comb was crushed, Ryan and I poured the mixture into a large strainer that is suspended over a bucket.
The end result after a few hours of straining: a bit over 25 pounds of liquid gold.
Maybe not liquid gold but as Teresa's very nice (custom and professional looking) stickers will tell you: raw wildflower honey.
Will we harvest more this year? It is unlikely unless the bees go a bit crazy.
As an aside, no bees or beekeepers were harmed in the production of this honey. The bees can take care of themselves and I have my fancy bee suit. Ryan wasn't so lucky and actually sustained two stings while watching from what seemed like a safe distance. Sorry dude.
