Nectar Collection

Honey production begins when worker bees collect nectar from flowering plants. These forager bees use their long, tube-shaped proboscis to suck nectar from flower blossoms, storing it in their honey stomach. During a single collection trip, a bee may visit between 50 to 100 flowers, and can carry up to 80% of their body weight in nectar.

Hive Processing

Once back at the hive, worker bees pass the nectar to house bees through a process called trophallaxis. The bees add enzymes that break down complex sugars into simpler ones, primarily glucose and fructose. They then deposit the processed nectar into honeycomb cells, where they fan their wings to create airflow that evaporates excess water content from about 80% to around 17-20%.

Capping and Storage

When honey reaches the proper consistency, bees cap each cell with wax for storage. This sealed honey can last indefinitely without spoiling due to its low moisture content and natural antibacterial properties. A single colony might produce 60-100 pounds (27-45 kg) of honey annually, storing it for use during periods when nectar is scarce. The color and flavor of honey vary depending on the nectar source. Shutdown123