Methods & Acceptable levels of filtration ???

[shudderdun]

I have approximately 70lb of honey that has been standing in a gate valved storage bucket for ten days.
When I extracted it, it went through the "standard" stainless steel double mesh strainer/filter.
I just wondered what acceptable levels of filtration subscribers would recommend for general sale to the public and friend, what methods do you use.
Many Thanks.

 

[Walrus]

I just use what you did - nothing more

 

[maz0]

I just use what you did - nothing more

Same with me, seems to have worked fine!

 

[shudderdun]

It's just that last year, about this time I only extracted about 30lb, even though it was kept in a kitchen cupboard, it didn't take too long before it sort of went thick set and had only what I could describe as having several sort of whitishs marble streaks within it.
I retained a couple of jars from this harvest and put them in the conservatory during the hot weather we have had recently, as expected the honey did clear but it has left what looks looks like a off white sediment (3/4") in the bottom of the 1lb jar ???

 

[Walrus]

If you put the bucket in a warming cabinet and get it warm and runny the bubbles etc rise to the top. Then you can run it into jars but leave the last bit that’s mucky. Warming cabinets are expensive to buy, like so much of beekeeping equipment. People with skills (not me sadly) make their own using an old fridge for example.

Also you could make soft set honey which increases the shelf life cos it doesn’t set rock hard

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I just use what you did - nothing more

 

[philipm]

I always make soft set and also keep a few jars of ordinary honey for cooking.

 

[thorn]

So do I.

 

[Poly Hive]

If you can wire a plug you can make a warming cabinet.

PH

 

[Erichalfbee]

Just a double sieve for me too
Soft set for honey that’s crystallising fast
Have a look at this video posted by “rooftops” who used to post here
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kLGE-7n0_Ko

 

[Ian123]

As you have left to settle for so long the metal strainers should be sufficient just watch the last few inches when bottling and maybe save for home use. I normally use the metal strains and the the cone fine micron mesh in the bottling tank.

 

[shudderdun]

If you can wire a plug you can make a warming cabinet.

PH

Thank you ALL for your input, it's been a great help.
Wiring a plug, no problem, I'm a recently retired electrician haha !!!

 

[Woodland bees]

Do you normally filter more if you're showing honey? For my latest jars I've just used a course sieve and settled in a honey bucket and I'm happy with the results. The honey does have a slight haze though and I assume it should be clear if you were to show it?

 

[Erichalfbee]

Do you normally filter more if you're showing honey? For my latest jars I've just used a course sieve and settled in a honey bucket and I'm happy with the results. The honey does have a slight haze though and I assume it should be clear if you were to show it?

Fine filter for showing

 

[Ian123]

If it’s cloudy it’s more likely starting to set rather than bits. I use a water bath for clearing the odd bucket

 

[Woodland bees]

It might be starting to set, I assumed it might be traces of pollen.

By using finer filters / warming etc to show aren't you just producing a more processed product? Seems slightly at odds with some of the negative comments about some of the imported mass produced honey.

 

[Erichalfbee]

You asked about showing.
Judges won’t look at cloudy honey
It has to be crystal clear.

 

[Ian123]

It might be starting to set, I assumed it might be traces of pollen.

By using finer filters / warming etc to show aren't you just producing a more processed product? Seems slightly at odds with some of the negative comments about some of the imported mass produced honey.

Warming in a water bath will have no ill effects on the honey, you are not cooking it and a fine micron nylon mesh will in no way remove pollen or any other beneficial particles, more likely the odd grain of dirt!!

 

[Antipodes]

Warming in a water bath will have no ill effects on the honey, you are not cooking it and a fine micron nylon mesh will in no way remove pollen or any other beneficial particles, more likely the odd grain of dirt!!

do these fine micron meshes have an ideal mesh size (to make sure I am getting the right one)?

Thanks

 

[Ian123]

Most U.K. suppliers sell them google thornes and have a look I think it’s 200-400 micron for the 2?types they sell. I find the larger more than adequate and often bottle without any protracted settling.