Saturday, August 8, 2009

FIRST HONEY HARVEST - 2009

David & Mickey had harvested the honey from one of Mickey's hives when David arrived from California Friday.


Monday afternoon we finally found time to finished putting the honey into jars. We take the raw honey, straight from the 1 1/2 plastic ice cream buckets and strain it twice. The first time through a large metal sieve and the second time through a woman's nylon hose!!!


Here Mickey is in the process of pouring the twice sieved raw honey into the jars.

There are all the jars we got, before the caps have been put on them.



Here they are all capped and ready to sell and give away. I gave a small 1/4 pint jars to my Tuesday evening Bible Study gals.

We ended up with 15 1/2 pints from the 20 lbs. of honey. Various size bottles as follows: 12- 1/4 Pint, 8- 1/2 Pint, 8 Pint & 1-8 oz Bear. It is so beautiful and tastes ......well yummy!!!!



Mickey was going to help Ronnie with his honey extration on Wednesday. Before they did it Mickey put these 4 cleets to help hold the extractor in position better.







Mickey had made this little table, prior to he & David doing the honey to lift the extraction up to a more comfortable position. Mickey thinks of everything.




The extractor in place against the 4 cleets.








Mickey & Ron in the process of extracting Ronnie's first few hives.


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15 comments:

Dawn said...

Oh, that honey looks so delicious!

I have posted a picture of the new furniture, as you asked!

Joy said...

He is a man of many talents. I would love to have a taste of that honey.


Joy

kc bob said...

Blog posts like this one make me wish I lived in Oklahoma.. I would be a regular customer :)

Mari said...

I think this is so interesting. Although my Dad and Grandpa had hives, I never saw this being done because it was at Grandpa's house and when I was old enough to be interested Grandpa had quit doing it. I would like to see how they use that extractor if you ever get pictures of it.

Kathy said...

You know what, I find that whole process fascinating. I love how you document part of what makes our daily lives what they are.....looks really tasty besides!

Brenda said...

Hi Susan,
What a 'sweet' little enterprise you have going! I'll bet the both of you get such a feeling of accomplishment after it's all said and done.
ot - we got our wireless connector for our laptop today, so I'm BACK! Yay!

Maxine said...

That is so neet! What a wonderful hobby your husband has. It's wonderful to keep busy in the golden years, isn't it? Good for you. Those jars look neat and tasty.

Fitter After 50 said...

I have a question for you. Have you heard that a teaspoon of local honey per day can help with seasonal allergies?

Debra said...

My husband keeps a jar of honey in his truck and takes a spoonful when needed to help his allergies, so there must be some truth to that saying. He says it helps alot.

Susan said...

To answer Sew Goods question.

Yes, honey is very good for allergies but it must be local honey from your area. The reason being...the flowers, etc where the bee's are collecting the pollen is what addresses the local allergies.

Isn't it amazing how God takes care of so many things naturally if we just stay more in the natural?
Susan

Sunny said...

Your honey harvest looks bee-utiful! We used to pack ours in 12 oz and 2 lb bears, 1, 2, and 4 lb jars, 3 lb and 12 lb jugs, and 60 lb pails. I am glad for people who are still able to keep bees. Sometimes, I miss that part of our life.

michelle said...

Oh my gosh that honey does look good! You and Mickey were just a couple busy little bees! Sorry I had to say that!

retha said...

Good honey and a more comfortable plan to get it - sounds you deserve more and more homey.

Anonymous said...

Susan,
I have never seen this done, but I love fresh honey. Especially on my oatmeal :) We usually buy from our local co-op.
I do not like store bought honey. It loses its taste.
Miriam

Carole Burant said...

I've been so fascinated with the whole process of making honey. A lot of work but so worth it at the end! Seeing Mickey pour the strained honey into jars reminds me of watching my youngest brother do the same but with maple syrup:-) xoxo