Honey Refractometer

How and why we use a honey refractometer.
Includes an explanation of the yeast in honey, facts on fermentation and honey refractometer calibration.

[StephenSachs-zz]

In the process of purchasing a Honey Refractor. This video will make it much easier and knowing how to use the refractor and more. As always another great and informative video Thank You!

[HalfQuickFarmer]

Just found out you will be coming to my state for the Big bee Buzz. So Looking forward to it. Cheers

[dadu]

Thanks Louie and Bob for sharing this video. I don't have a drying room but I do my supers under a fan just like my friend Bob binnie does. Matter of fact I beekeep like Bob and his crew does. I split to prevent swarming like Bob does it works every year. I haven't had a hive to swarm on me for like 4 years now. Thanks to the Binnie method and Bob and crew I am a better beekeeper. Thanks again Bob! I love Blue Ridge Honey Co.

[markbooth]

Hello Bob. I check the moisture of my honey randomly. While extracting. With an extractor like y’all have. I would like to have what they call a pocket digital refractometer, but it cost around $450. It’s not feasible for me buy one.

[aileensmith]

The more we watch your videos the more learn, Thank You!

[nevaehseniahllc]

Would using your finger to spread olive oil and honey on the refractometer slide change the reading levels? I use a glass stir stick. Just a thought.

[boysbees]

Bob you were very kind when we brought honey that was too thin for you to taste. Thank you and as an aside I have heard different artificial lights might affect the refractometer reading so we check ours with natural light and olive oil

[MagnoliaSpringsFarm]

Good morning to you and the crew.

Perfect timing. I need to calibrate mine.

[sidelinerbeekeeper]

Another good video Bob. Have you posted a video on blending honey? When buying different honey flavors all over the country how do you get a similar tasting product? All of the packers here in Canada either target Canola or Golden rod profiles. I would like to try real Sourwood honey, do you ship to Canada?

[Warrenslife]

Bob I have a suggestion for a video, what to do with frames of packed out pollen and how to keep the bees from making them. I'm thinking the latter will have to do with keeping them queen right and keeping the push down into the bottom box.

[edcoffin]

Interesting video on refractors. Louie said most people use the brix scale to measure the moisture content in their honey., when Louie tested the honey he gave us the measurement of 16 %. What was the brix number?

[graemediesel]

Thanks Bob, I had wondered how often I should calibrate my refractometer. Also good to know about the temperatures affecting readings.

[LeaLee-kdnn]

Yeah, the band is back together!!!! John and Seth and Jesse are back in the house!!!!

[naturessweetbees]

Good morning Bob, do you like the digital refractor? Just curious which type of refractor you feel would be better for accuracy?

[Lbfarmsllc]

BOB - I moved to GA from Colorado & this will be my first year pulling honey in GA. I’m about 2 hours south of you. I have heard that in the south if you don’t extract within 3 days of pulling supers that SHB larvae will hatch in your supers and ruin your crop. Have you ever experienced or heard of this? Thanks BOB!

[russellaymond]

Good morning Bob. Thank you for the video, great information.

[dcsblessedbees]

Bob what I like best about your videos is you explain those How's, Why's and What's of beekeeping's finer points so well. Thanks for another informative video. 😁Blessed Days Bob and Company.👍


I have a difficult time seeing the line on mine. I think mine has the Brix, I didn't know that thanks so much Bob and Lewy.

Oh Bob you mentioned that Gallberry honey when you did that video with him down in Florida, I commented there was a plant/berry that looked real similar up here in SW WA. Turns out this is called a Salalberry. (Gaultheria shallon)

[pachko]

Thanks Bob, great content as always!!!
May i ask what other test do you make with the recieved honey to make sure it is not mixed with high fructose syrup or the bees fed with sucrose syrup during harvest? Or any other considerations...
Thanks for your great advises !!!

[framcesmoore]

Thanks for sharing this I have 1 and I did not know how to set it mine came pre set and I did not know how to check it and reset it. stick my honey in a drying room because I seen you Bob do it. it is my kitchen with fans and 2 dehumidifiers I do it for 2 days. Bob do you have hive beetles problems and what do u do if you find them hatching in your frames I freeze them and give them back to the bees. Anyway this was great It was nice to see seth did he have his baby yet. When are you going to share the video with Rodger and the extender release oa. Have a Blessed week

[Drewjober]

Thanks I asked you about them at the expo and got it with the brix scale so when I get a good day I’m going to calibrate and check supers!