Honey Refractometers
Maintaining the correct moisture level in harvested honey is crucial for beekeepers. Luckily, an inexpensive honey refractometer can be a beekeeper’s best friend. Able to measure the water content in honey, it helps you determine if the honey is ready to take from the bees. In this guide, I will share how a honey refractometer works and how to use one.
As a beekeeper, I know my bees work hard to produce a nice honey harvest. Learning how to use a refractometer helped me evaluate the readiness of the honey and protect its quality.
What is a Honey Refractometer?
A honey refractometer is a specialized tool used by beekeepers to measure the moisture content in honey-(the water content of honey).
It works by utilizing the principle of light refraction (how light bends as it passes through a substance) to assess the concentration of water in a small honey sample. This allows you to bottle and sell honey that is of the highest quality.
Why Does Honey Moisture Matter?
Honey naturally contains some water. One of the processes used by bees to turn watery nectar into honey is removing some of the moisture.
The industry standard for honey considered to be “ripe” is around 18.6% water content. Honey that is at or below this amount is not likely to ferment and spoil.
How a Refractometer Works
Several different types of honey refractometers are available in various styles, accuracy levels and price ranges.
They come in two main types: analog and digital. Analog refractometers feature a scale that can be read manually, while digital models provide an electronic readout for easy interpretation.
Both types are designed to measure the Brix value or water content of honey. Brix value normally corresponds to the percentage of sugar in a solution, but for honey, it is used to gauge moisture levels. The higher the water concentration in honey, the more the light is refracted.
Preparing for Testing
As with many scientific results, your test will only be as accurate as the person doing the test. In addition to your honey refractometer, you will need:
- a clean spatula or spoon to collect the sample
- a clean container to hold the sample
Both the utensils used and the refractometer should be clean and dry! Because of the variability between the different types of honey, it is good to take a few samples from different places in the container.
These can all be added together in the clean container for testing (mixed together – similar to taking a soil test for your garden).
Be sure to check your device to ensure that any residue from previous testing is removed. Cleaning the refractometer is typically done using distilled water and a soft, lint-free cloth.
Calibrating Your Refractometer
When your refractometer arrives, it is a good idea to calibrate it before using it for the first time. After that, recalibration once a season helps insure it is working properly. This could be a part of your spring beekeeping chores.
Most new units come with a special reference solution to use for calibration. Follow the instructions that come with your model.
Using Olive Oil to Calibrate
If you are lacking the special solution for calibration, you can use extra virgin olive oil. It will have a Brix reading of about 71.5 – which is 27% water.
Lift the clear panel on the top of the unit, clean the flat glass surface with a lint free cloth. Be careful, don’t scratch it – this is your prism.
Add a couple of drops of olive oil to the flat glass – avoid air bubbles. Gently press down the clear panel causing the solution to spread out.
Hold the refractometer towards a bright light, adjust the angle if needed -look through the eyepiece. You may have to adjust your eyepiece if the view is fuzzy.
Look for a blue and white field with a sharp line where the two colors meet. This is your Brix reading in degrees – i.e. 27%.
If the reading is not very close to that of your calibration solution, you must adjust your refractometer.
The calibration screw is on the handle and often has a cover. Pop off the cover and use a small screwdriver to adjust the sharp line to the proper measurement for your solution.
Once your unit is reading the olive oil correctly, we know it should be ready to use. Remember, you only have to do this process once in a while. It does not require adjustment before every use.
How to Use a Honey Refractometer
A honey refractometer is easy to use any time you have doubts, it is time to test the moisture levels. Begin at room temperature.
- Pull up the clear flat panel on top of the glass prism
- Add a couple of drops of honey on the glass surface – avoid bubbles – don’t put too much honey
- Close the flat panel against the glass and wiggle slightly to spread honey out
- Hold refractometer toward a bright light – look through the eyepiece
- Look for the sharp line between the blue and white field – this is your reading
After use, be sure to clean your refractometer. Use a damp lint free cloth to clean both panels of the unit. Store your tool in the box to protect the prism and other delicate parts.
While there is no universally agreed standard, most beekeepers want the moisture content of honey be between 16-18% – certainly never above 19%. Once the water levels rise about this number, yeast multiplication increases greatly.
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Choosing a Honey Refractometer
When shopping for a honey refractometer, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars. There are plenty of models available for under $50 – many for under $30.
For the everyday beekeeper, these will work just fine. Mine cost under $25 at the time and has been working great for over 8 years.
If you want to pay the price for an expensive digital one, that’s great. They are easier to use and read.
FAQs
It is best to calibrate your refractometer at least once a season to ensure accuracy.
If your honey refractometer gives inconsistent readings, you may need to calibrate the device. Also, make sure the prism surface is clean and dry before adding honey and only add a very thin layer of honey.
Honey refractometers are specifically designed to measure the moisture content in liquids like honey. They are not suitable for measuring the moisture or composition of solid or semi-solid products.
Final Thoughts
As a Master Beekeeper, I understand the need for beekeepers to have the tools to ensure the quality of their honey products. By providing reliable measurements of moisture levels, honey refractometers help us make good decisions about harvesting, processing, and storing honey.
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