Economical Honey Extraction Methods

Reader Contribution by Julia Miller
Updated on July 7, 2022
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Adobe Stock/marina_foteeva

Explore economical honey extraction methods for small-scale beekeepers and learn how one apiary uses a unique system to extract honey from frames.

How does a small beekeeping operation get all that sweet honey goodness out of the comb?

There are two basic ways to remove honey from the cells of the honeycomb: the drip (or squeeze) method and spinning it out in a centrifuge extractor.

For a beekeeper with only one Langstroth style hive, the drip method may suffice. Cut off the wax cappings and lay the frame over a container. After a few hours, the honey will have dripped out of the cells. Repeat with the other side. To harvest a top bar hive, cut off the honeycomb, place in several layers of cheesecloth and squeeze. This is slow but economical in terms of tools and machinery. The only investment is a sharp knife and some cheesecloth. This is the cheapest route to honey on your toast.

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