Honeycomb is one of the world’s oldest natural delicious and nutritious treats, straight from the hive, unprocessed or touched by human hands. Its unique taste is a direct reflection of the local floral sources available to the honeybees.
The “comb” is a complex hexagonal beeswax structure, made by the bees throughout the spring and summer months, and then quickly filled with fresh nectar. Once the nectar is collected the bees use their wings and body/hive temperature to evaporate the high water-content (approximately 80-85%) of the nectar, reducing it down to 16-18%.
Once the honey is “ripe”, the bees cap each individual honeycomb cell with a thin layer of fresh beeswax and it is ready to be collected.
How to use your fresh honeycomb?
You can enjoy honeycomb completely on its own - simply cut a piece and chew. Once you’ve absorbed all the honey we strongly suggest spitting out the remaining, now dry, wax as our stomach’s cannot breakdown the wax unfortunately.
Comb is can also be served alongside charcuterie, cheese boards, and with sweet or savoury desserts.
How to store your fresh honeycomb?
Honeycomb, like liquid honey, has an indefinite shelf life due to its natural high sugar and low moisture content. (it never goes bad). Honeycomb and liquid honey should both be stored in a covered container in a dry location at 20-25 degrees Celsius (70-75 F). Honey will absorb moisture, therefore the higher the storage temperature, the more likely it is to be damaged and be careful if storing a jar open beside garlic, onions or other “aromatic” foods.
If storing honeycomb long-term, it is recommended to freeze it (-5 to -15C [0 - 10 F]) in stored in a moisture-proof container and allowed to warm to room temperature before using. Do not use heat of any kind to speed the thawing process, this will damage and compromise the honeycomb structure. Freezing, is the preferred method for long term storage as it prevents any changes in colour (darkening) and flavour / composition. Freezing also preserves all the natural goodness of honey.
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Have any more questions? Let us know.
- Rosewood