MikeT
Field Bee
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2014
- Messages
- 645
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- West Norfolk
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- 5
I thought I would be clever and make my own, I inserted this thread in the wrong section.
I have one hive which I thought was oK for stores as they stopped taking down syrup and were working mustard. When I hefted all the hives at the weekend I think this hive was too light, Bought a kilo of fondant from the bakers at £2.30 kg. At this price I decided to have a go at making my own. Found a recipe in a 1950s bee book.
3 lb of granulated sugar, 1/2pt of hot water, and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Put all ingredients in large pan heat to boiling and keep stirring, When boiling lower heat and boil for further 5mins to make sure temperature reaches 245oF. Do not burn the sugar as the bees will not touch it and will be a complete waste.
Cool to 200oF by putting pan into cold water. Stir until the syrup starts to go white, then stir with hand held mixer until stiff.
Pour into flat plastic container and leave to cool.
Seemed oK but now has gone really hard and slightly granulated. If the bees don't like it I can reheat and dissolve in more water and feed as syrup in the spring.
Also advised that Cream of Tartar is not suitable for bees.
I have one hive which I thought was oK for stores as they stopped taking down syrup and were working mustard. When I hefted all the hives at the weekend I think this hive was too light, Bought a kilo of fondant from the bakers at £2.30 kg. At this price I decided to have a go at making my own. Found a recipe in a 1950s bee book.
3 lb of granulated sugar, 1/2pt of hot water, and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Put all ingredients in large pan heat to boiling and keep stirring, When boiling lower heat and boil for further 5mins to make sure temperature reaches 245oF. Do not burn the sugar as the bees will not touch it and will be a complete waste.
Cool to 200oF by putting pan into cold water. Stir until the syrup starts to go white, then stir with hand held mixer until stiff.
Pour into flat plastic container and leave to cool.
Seemed oK but now has gone really hard and slightly granulated. If the bees don't like it I can reheat and dissolve in more water and feed as syrup in the spring.
Also advised that Cream of Tartar is not suitable for bees.
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