Refractometer
The instrument beekeepers use to measure honey's water content before extracting.
Beekeeping
Definition
A refractometer reads water content from how light bends passing through a drop of honey. It is the standard check before extraction, because honey above roughly 20 per cent moisture can ferment. Extracting uncapped frames is the commonest cause of high-moisture honey, and a refractometer is what catches it.
See also
Other beekeeping terms
Sources
Sources
- Standard for Honey (CXS 12-1981) — Codex Alimentarius Commission, FAO/WHO (1981) · Standards document Link
- HoneyHQ editorial synthesis — HEKNO Ltd · HoneyHQ synthesis
How sources are selected and weighted is set out in the sources and evidence policy.