How We Harvest Pure Honey From the Honeycomb
At NutraBee, our honey is harvested using time-honoured beekeeping practices that respect the bees and preserve the natural quality of the honey. In this video, we show how fresh honey is carefully taken from the honeycomb once the bees have fully finished their work.
When a honeycomb cell is completely filled, bees seal it with a thin layer of natural beeswax, known as a wax capping. This capping acts like a protective lid, keeping moisture out and ensuring the honey is properly matured. Before extraction, this wax layer is gently removed using a warm knife, a traditional technique that allows the honey to flow freely without damaging the comb.
Only fully capped frames are selected, as this indicates the honey is ready. Any remaining wax is saved and later melted down for reuse, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Once uncapped, the frames are placed into an extractor, where the honey is spun out naturally—without excessive heat or processing.
This careful, hands-on process allows us to deliver pure, gourmet honey straight from the honeycomb, maintaining its natural flavour, texture, and integrity—just as nature intended.
Watch how our honey is harvested directly from the honeycomb using traditional beekeeping methods that preserve purity and flavour.
Honey FAQ
Is this honey raw?
Our honey is harvested straight from capped honeycomb frames and extracted without excessive heat or heavy processing. This helps preserve its natural character, flavour, and texture.
Why is the wax cap removed?
Bees seal ripe honey with a thin layer of beeswax called a wax capping. Removing the capping is a traditional step that allows the mature honey to flow out during extraction.
What does “capped honey” mean?
When honey is ready, bees cap each filled cell with beeswax. Fully capped frames are a strong indicator the honey is properly matured and has the right moisture level for harvesting.
Do you heat the honey during extraction?
We avoid excessive heat. Our goal is to keep the honey as close to how it exists in the hive as possible—pure, aromatic, and true to the season.
Why does honey crystallize?
Crystallization is natural and common in real honey. It’s influenced by temperature and the nectar source. If you prefer it runny, gently warm the jar in a bowl of warm water.
Is it normal to see tiny bits of wax?
Yes. Minimal, naturally occurring wax or pollen particles can appear depending on the batch. It’s part of what many people love about minimally processed honey.
Where does NutraBee honey come from?
NutraBee honey is sourced in Canada and harvested using time-honoured beekeeping practices designed to respect the bees and protect the integrity of the honey.