How do you process raw beeswax?
Cleaning Process of Raw Beeswax for Beekeepers
- collect excess beeswax – (cappings or crushed comb)
- drain any good honey from the wax – cappings hold a lot.
- rinse beeswax in cool clean water – not your kitchen sink!
- melting is the next step for cleaning – I use water.
How do you filter fresh beeswax?
We use several layers of cheesecloth when there is a lot of debris. Put the cheesecloth in a large pot of water and gently heat. As the wax melts it will leech out of the cheesecloth but the debris will be contained. When the wax is melted, remove the cheesecloth with the debris and let the pot cool.
How do you harvest and clean beeswax?
Using a paddle — or your hands — slosh the wax around in the water to wash off any remaining honey. Drain the wax through a colander or a honey strainer and repeat this washing process until the water runs clear. Place the washed wax in a double boiler for melting.
What are the different grades of beeswax?
There are 3 main types of Beeswax: Yellow, White, and Absolute. They vary in their processing methods, benefits, and uses.
How much beeswax can you get from one hive?
On average, beekeepers harvest about 50 pounds of surplus honey per colony per year. During honey harvest, beeswax can also be collected to use for lighting, as a home or commercial wax, or for use in wax-based products. The normal yield is 1-2 pounds of beeswax per 100 pounds of honey harvested.
What does triple filtered beeswax mean?
Our wax is triple filters to remove any debris and poured into 1 pound blocks, making it easy for use in numerous applications. Our wax is NEVER bleached or chemically filtered and therefore still has a light honey scent associated with pure beeswax.
What is the difference between filtered and unfiltered beeswax?
Filtered wax burns more uniformly than its unfiltered counterpart, and has a homogeneous yellow or white color. It also mixes more easily with other ingredients due to its smooth texture.
How do you clean beeswax after extracting honey?
After you’ve extracted your honey, take your beeswax into an open area outside. Fill a bucket or use a hose on the lowest power setting to rinse your beeswax in clean, cold water. This will wipe any residual honey or dirt off of your beeswax and make the cleaning process easier. Do not rinse your honeycomb in a sink.
How do you extract beeswax from a hive?
Bring a large pot of water to a simmer, and carefully place your bundle of honeycomb inside. As the comb heats up, the beeswax will melt and seep out of the cheesecloth. Use a pair of tongs to squeeze the cheesecloth and ensure you get as much beeswax out as possible.
What is BP grade beeswax?
100g Yellow BP Grade Beeswax Granules – BP (British Pharmacopoeia) grade beeswax is the high purity grade that is used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. They are British Pharmacopoeia (BP) approved and are used in creams, lotions, pomades, ointments, soaps and hair care products.
Which is better yellow or white beeswax?
White and yellow beeswax pellets differ in color based on the filtration process. White beeswax is turned white after undergoing a pressure-filtration process. Yellow beeswax is typically processed less and therefore left in its more natural state.
Is white or yellow beeswax better?
How much does beeswax sell for?
$10 per lb. is a common retail price.
What micron filter should I use for honey?
I ran a 400 micron filter for a little while but it was to slow. The honey had to be really warm to get through it then after a little bit of wax builds up it quits altogether. Moved up to the 600 micron and it does great.
What is the difference between white beeswax and yellow beeswax?
How do you test for pure beeswax?
Use your fingernails to gently push the surface of the wax forward. Pure beeswax won’t be able to scrape, and it won’t cause wax flowers; beeswax with paraffin wax is easy to push and scrape wax flowers. Put your nails into the wax block. Pure beeswax sticks to the nails.
What is the difference between refined and unrefined beeswax?
The unrefined stuff is a beautiful golden colour and will usually come in big chunks or bricks (often moulded with a cute honeycomb texture). The refined variety is white and comes in pellets.
Why does beeswax turn black?
If you render your own beeswax, you know how much more debris is filtered from melted brood comb than melted honey comb. Clumps of this debris, appropriately called “slumgum,” clog strainers and mesh bags, and tiny bits of it darken the liquid wax.
How do you process beeswax caps?
Rendering Beeswax Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare. Beeswax is very sticky and can be difficult to remove from most surfaces.
- Step 2: Heat the Wax & Water until the Beeswax Melts.
- Step 3: Pour Wax and Water through the Fabric Filter.
- Step 4: Allow the Beeswax to Cool.
- Step 5: Enjoy your Beeswax!
What is industrial grade beeswax?
Industrial grade beeswax is available in a 1 pound block and can be used as a base ingredient in furniture polish, shoe polish, ski & surfboard wax, and it can also be used in woodworking, gunsmithing and sewing.
How can you tell if beeswax is pure?
If the wax liquid is clear and transparent, it is pure beeswax; if there are fat globules floating on the wax liquid, it proves that the wax sample contains paraffin wax. The larger the fat globule, the more paraffin wax.
What color is unrefined beeswax?
Beeswax is a substance produced by worker bees, which is secreted by glands on the bee’s abdomen. It is naturally a yellow-brownish color, but can also be purified to different shades of yellow or even white.
How do I sell beeswax?
If you know of local craft fairs, vendor fairs, or flea markets, you can gather up your wax and head on out to sell to crafters who’d love to get their hands on some creamy, locally sourced, beeswax. You can also create an online store on popular crafting websites.