# Comb Honey Production and Packaging ## Key Takeaways - Comb honey production necessitates specific colony management, including strong colonies with young queens and the use of thin, worker-cell foundation, to ensure structurally sound, brood-free, and uniformly capped comb suitable for market. - Queen excluders are critical for cut comb and chunk honey production to prevent brood contamination, ensuring only honey-filled cells are harvested, which requires placement between the brood nest and honey super at the onset of the nectar flow. - Optimal harvest timing is crucial, occurring during the main nectar flow when cells are fully capped with white wax, and requires careful bee removal techniques (bee escape, fume board, or shaking) to prevent damage to the comb and bees. - Maintaining a moisture content below 18.6% is paramount to prevent fermentation; this is achieved by harvesting only fully capped honey and monitoring weather conditions during the nectar flow, as high moisture content is a significant quality challenge. - Contamination prevention involves avoiding pesticide use in or near the apiary during nectar flow and ensuring all treatments are applied only to the brood nest, with strict adherence to withdrawal periods to safeguard honey purity. - Packaging methods vary by type: section comb honey is sold in its original box, cut comb honey requires clear, airtight containers, and chunk honey combines cut comb pieces with extracted honey in jars, all demanding food-grade materials and proper sealing. --- Comb honey is honey sold in its original wax comb, either as a full section, a cut piece, or a chunk packed with extracted honey. Producing comb honey requires specific management decisions about frame selection, colony strength, timing, and harvesting methods to achieve a clean, marketable product. This article covers the entire process from selecting suitable frames and sections through harvesting, packaging, and marketing comb honey for direct sale. ## At a Glance | Production Method | Equipment Required | Key Management Consideration | Typical Harvest Window | |-------------------|-------------------|------------------------------|------------------------| | Section comb honey | Section boxes or round section rings, foundation strips | Strong colony with young queen, use thin foundation, prevent burr comb between sections | Main nectar flow when cells are fully capped | | Cut comb honey | Shallow or medium frames with thin foundation | Use drone-free foundation, harvest when fully capped, cut with warm knife | End of main nectar flow before granulation begins | | Chunk honey | Cut comb pieces packed in jars with extracted honey | Select uniform comb pieces, use clear, light honey for packing | After cut comb harvest, pack immediately to prevent moisture absorption | ## Understanding Comb Honey Production Comb honey production differs from extracted honey production because the comb itself becomes part of the product. The bees must build comb that is structurally sound, free of brood, and fully capped with wax. The comb must also be free of pollen, propolis, and other debris that would make it unmarketable. The natural orientation of honey bee comb follows specific patterns. Research on cell orientation characteristics of natural combs shows that bees build comb with consistent cell angles and orientations that maximize storage efficiency and structural integrity. Understanding these natural building patterns helps beekeepers select frames and foundation that encourage bees to produce uniform comb suitable for sale. Comb honey commands a premium price because it is the most natural form of honey and requires no extraction equipment. However, it also requires more labor and management attention than extracted honey. The bees must be managed specifically for comb honey production, which means using strong colonies with young queens and providing them with the right foundation and frames at the right time. ## Selecting Suitable Frames and Sections ### Section Comb Honey Equipment Section comb honey is produced in small wooden or plastic sections that hold a thin strip of foundation. The bees build comb within the section, and the entire section is sold as a unit. Section boxes are placed in a super above the brood nest, and the bees fill them during a strong nectar flow. The sections must be assembled carefully to prevent gaps where bees can build burr comb. Each section contains a thin strip of foundation that guides the bees to build straight comb within the section boundaries. The foundation must be made from pure beeswax and should be thin enough that the bees accept it readily. ### Cut Comb Honey Frames Cut comb honey is produced in shallow or medium frames fitted with thin foundation. The frames are placed in a super above a queen excluder to prevent the queen from laying eggs in the comb. The bees fill the comb with honey and cap it, and the beekeeper cuts the comb into uniform pieces for packaging. The foundation for cut comb honey should be drone-free to prevent the bees from building drone cells, which are larger and less uniform than worker cells. Drone cells produce uneven comb that is difficult to cut into attractive pieces. Using foundation with worker-sized cells encourages the bees to build uniform comb that cuts cleanly. ### Chunk Honey Preparation Chunk honey combines cut comb pieces with extracted honey in a jar. The cut comb pieces are placed in the jar first, and then extracted honey is poured around them. The honey must be clear and free of air bubbles to show the comb clearly. The cut comb pieces for chunk honey should be cut to fit the jar dimensions. Pieces that are too large will not fit properly, and pieces that are too small will look unappealing. The comb should be fully capped to prevent honey from leaking out of the cells into the surrounding honey. ## Colony Management for Comb Honey ### Colony Strength and Population Comb honey production requires strong colonies with large populations of foraging bees. The colony must have enough bees to build comb, collect nectar, and cap the honey quickly. A weak colony will produce uneven comb that may not be fully capped, making it unsuitable for sale. Research on brood and bee production in honey bee colonies shows that colony population dynamics directly affect honey production capacity. Colonies with high brood production and large adult populations are better able to take advantage of nectar flows and produce surplus honey for harvest. The colony should have a young, productive queen that lays eggs in a compact pattern. A queen that produces a scattered brood pattern will leave gaps in the brood nest that the bees may fill with honey, but the comb may be uneven. The queen should be replaced annually to maintain colony strength. ### Queen Excluder Use A queen excluder is essential for cut comb honey production. The excluder prevents the queen from moving into the honey super and laying eggs in the comb. Comb that contains brood cannot be sold as comb honey because the brood cells are dark and contain pupal skins. The queen excluder should be placed between the brood nest and the honey super at the beginning of the nectar flow. The excluder must be clean and free of propolis to allow worker bees to pass through easily. Some beekeepers prefer to use a double screen instead of a queen excluder to provide better ventilation. ### Timing the Nectar Flow Comb honey production must be timed to coincide with a strong nectar flow. The bees need a steady supply of nectar to build comb and fill it with honey. If the nectar flow stops before the comb is fully capped, the honey may granulate in the comb or absorb moisture from the air. The beekeeper should monitor the nectar flow by checking the weight of the hive and observing the bees' foraging activity. When the bees are bringing in large amounts of nectar, the comb honey super can be added. The super should be removed as soon as the comb is fully capped to prevent the bees from darkening the wax with propolis. ## Harvesting Comb Honey ### Timing the Harvest Comb honey should be harvested when the cells are fully capped with white wax. Uncapped cells indicate that the honey has not been fully ripened, and the moisture content may be too high for safe storage. Research on immature honey as a quality challenge in global apicultural production highlights the importance of harvesting only fully capped comb to ensure proper moisture levels and prevent fermentation. The harvest should take place during the warm part of the day when the wax is pliable. Cold wax is brittle and cracks easily, which can damage the comb. The bees should be removed from the super before harvest to prevent them from being crushed or injured. ### Removing Bees from Supers Bees can be removed from comb honey supers using a bee escape, a fume board, or by shaking them off. A bee escape is placed between the brood nest and the honey super, allowing bees to leave the super but not return. The escape should be installed the day before harvest to give the bees time to move out. A fume board uses a chemical repellent to drive bees out of the super. The repellent is applied to the fume board, which is placed on top of the super. The bees move down into the brood nest to escape the fumes. The fume board should be used only in warm weather when the bees are active. Shaking bees off the frames is the most direct method but requires care to avoid injuring the bees. The frames are shaken over the hive to dislodge the bees, and then the frames are placed in a covered container to prevent robbing. ### Cutting and Handling Comb Cut comb honey is cut from the frame using a sharp knife heated in hot water. The knife should be wiped clean between cuts to prevent wax buildup. The comb is cut into uniform pieces that fit the packaging. The cut pieces should be handled gently to prevent cracking the wax. The comb should be placed on a clean surface and covered to protect it from dust and debris. The pieces should be packaged as soon as possible to prevent moisture absorption. ## Packaging Comb Honey ### Section Comb Honey Packaging Section comb honey is sold in the original section box. The box should be clean and free of propolis or wax debris. The section can be wrapped in clear plastic or placed in a display box that shows the comb through a window. The section should be inspected for defects before packaging. Sections with burr comb, propolis, or uncapped cells should be set aside for personal use or processing. Only perfect sections should be sold as comb honey. ### Cut Comb Honey Packaging Cut comb honey is packaged in clear plastic containers that show the comb. The containers should be food-grade and airtight to prevent moisture loss or absorption. The comb pieces should be placed in the container with the cells facing upward to show the capped honey. The container should be filled completely to prevent the comb from shifting during transport. If the container is not full, a piece of food-grade plastic wrap can be placed on top of the comb to hold it in place. The lid should be sealed tightly to prevent leaks. ### Chunk Honey Packaging Chunk honey is packaged in glass or clear plastic jars. The cut comb piece is placed in the jar first, and then extracted honey is poured around it. The honey should be poured slowly to prevent air bubbles from forming. The jar should be filled to the top to prevent the comb from floating. The lid should be sealed tightly, and the jar should be labeled with the honey type, net weight, and producer information. Chunk honey should be stored at room temperature to prevent granulation. ## Quality Control and [Food Safety](/knowledge/bacteria/livestock-bacteria/cooking-chicken-bacteria-prevention) ### Moisture Content Comb honey must have a moisture content below 18.6 percent to prevent fermentation. The moisture content can be measured using a refractometer, but the sample must be taken from the honey inside the cells, not from the wax. Honey with a moisture content above 18.6 percent should not be sold as comb honey. The moisture content of comb honey can be affected by the weather during the nectar flow. Wet weather can increase the moisture content of the nectar, and the bees may not be able to ripen it fully before capping. The beekeeper should monitor the moisture content and harvest only when the honey is fully ripened. ### Granulation Prevention Comb honey can granulate in the comb if the honey has a high glucose content. Granulated comb honey is less attractive to consumers and may be difficult to sell. The beekeeper should harvest comb honey early in the season when the honey has a lower glucose content. Honey from different floral sources has different granulation rates. Honey from sources with high glucose content, such as rapeseed or dandelion, granulates quickly. Honey from sources with high fructose content, such as black locust or tupelo, granulates slowly. The beekeeper should know the floral sources in their area and plan the harvest accordingly. ### Contamination Prevention Comb honey can be contaminated by pesticides, antibiotics, or other chemicals. The beekeeper should avoid using pesticides in the hive or near the apiary during the nectar flow. Research on honey bee foraging and pesticide exposure in a desert urban agroecosystem shows that bees can be exposed to pesticides from agricultural and urban sources, which can contaminate honey and comb. The beekeeper should also avoid using antibiotics or other treatments in the honey super. Treatments should be applied only to the brood nest, and the honey super should be removed before treatment. The beekeeper should follow all label instructions for treatment products and observe the required withdrawal periods. ## Common Failure Patterns ### Uneven Comb Building Bees may build uneven comb if the foundation is not properly installed or if the colony is not strong enough. Uneven comb is difficult to cut into uniform pieces and may not fit properly in the packaging. The beekeeper should use high-quality foundation and ensure that the frames are properly assembled. If the bees build burr comb between sections or frames, the comb honey will be damaged during harvest. The beekeeper should check the super regularly and remove any burr comb before it becomes attached to the sections. ### Uncapped Cells Uncapped cells indicate that the honey has not been fully ripened. The honey may have a high moisture content and may ferment during storage. The beekeeper should wait until the cells are fully capped before harvesting. If the nectar flow stops before the comb is fully capped, the beekeeper may need to remove the super and use the comb for extracted honey instead of comb honey. The comb can be extracted and the wax can be rendered for other uses. ### Propolis and Wax Debris Bees may deposit propolis on the comb or sections, making them unattractive to consumers. The beekeeper should use clean equipment and avoid disturbing the bees during the nectar flow. Propolis can be removed from sections by scraping gently with a hive tool. Wax debris from burr comb or cappings can stick to the comb honey and make it look messy. The beekeeper should clean the comb honey carefully before packaging and remove any loose wax particles. ## Records and Measurements ### Harvest Records The beekeeper should keep records of each comb honey harvest, including the date, colony identification, number of sections or frames harvested, and the weight of the honey. These records help the beekeeper track production and identify colonies that perform well for comb honey. The records should also include the floral source of the honey and the weather conditions during the nectar flow. This information helps the beekeeper plan future harvests and predict the quality of the honey. ### Moisture Content Records The beekeeper should measure and record the moisture content of each batch of comb honey. The moisture content should be measured using a refractometer calibrated for honey. The sample should be taken from the honey inside the cells, not from the wax. The records should include the date of measurement, the moisture content, and the batch identification. If the moisture content is above 18.6 percent, the honey should not be sold as comb honey. The beekeeper should note the reason for the high moisture content and take steps to prevent it in future harvests. ### Sales Records The beekeeper should keep records of all comb honey sales, including the date, quantity, price, and customer information. These records are important for tax purposes and for tracking the profitability of comb honey production. The records should also include any customer complaints or feedback. This information helps the beekeeper improve the quality of the product and address any issues with packaging or labeling. ## Welfare and Safety Context ### Bee Welfare Comb honey production requires careful management to avoid stressing the bees. The beekeeper should use a queen excluder to prevent the queen from laying eggs in the honey super, but the excluder should be removed after the harvest to allow the bees to move freely. The beekeeper should avoid opening the hive during cold or wet weather, as this can chill the brood and stress the bees. The hive should be opened only when necessary, and the inspection should be brief to minimize disturbance. The beekeeper should also ensure that the bees have enough honey for winter. Comb honey production removes honey from the hive, and the beekeeper must leave enough honey for the bees to survive the winter. The beekeeper should calculate the winter honey requirements based on the colony size and local climate. ### Worker Safety Harvesting comb honey involves handling hot knives and heavy supers. The beekeeper should use protective gloves and eye protection when cutting comb. The knife should be heated in hot water, not over an open flame, to prevent burns. The beekeeper should also use proper lifting techniques when moving supers. A full super of honey can weigh 40 to 60 pounds, and lifting it improperly can cause back injuries. The beekeeper should use a hive tool to pry the super loose and lift with the legs, not the back. ### Food Safety Comb honey is a food product and must be handled according to food safety standards. The beekeeper should use food-grade packaging materials and clean equipment. The work area should be clean and free of pests. The beekeeper should also label the comb honey with the net weight, honey type, and producer information. The label should include a lot number or batch identification to allow traceability in case of a food safety issue. ## Professional Escalation Criteria The beekeeper should seek professional advice if the comb honey has a moisture content above 18.6 percent and the cause is not clear. A high moisture content may indicate a problem with the nectar flow or the colony's ability to ripen honey. The beekeeper should also seek professional advice if the comb honey has an unusual color, odor, or taste. These may indicate contamination from pesticides, antibiotics, or other chemicals. The beekeeper should test the honey for contaminants before selling it. If the colony is not producing comb honey despite a strong nectar flow, the beekeeper should consult with an experienced beekeeper or extension agent. The problem may be related to the queen, the foundation, or the management practices. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between section comb honey and cut comb honey? Section comb honey is produced in small wooden or plastic sections that hold a thin strip of foundation. The entire section is sold as a unit. Cut comb honey is produced in shallow or medium frames and cut into uniform pieces for packaging. Section comb honey requires more specialized equipment but produces a more uniform product. ### How do I prevent the queen from laying eggs in the comb honey super? Use a queen excluder between the brood nest and the honey super. The excluder should be placed at the beginning of the nectar flow and removed after the harvest. Check the super regularly for brood and remove any frames that contain eggs or larvae. ### What is the ideal moisture content for comb honey? Comb honey should have a moisture content below 18.6 percent to prevent fermentation. The moisture content can be measured using a refractometer calibrated for honey. Honey with a moisture content above 18.6 percent should not be sold as comb honey. ### How do I cut comb honey without damaging the comb? Use a sharp knife heated in hot water. The knife should be wiped clean between cuts to prevent wax buildup. Cut the comb on a clean, flat surface and handle the pieces gently to prevent cracking. ### Can I use plastic foundation for comb honey? Plastic foundation can be used for cut comb honey, but it must be removed from the comb before packaging. Beeswax foundation is preferred because it can be left in the comb and consumed with the honey. Plastic foundation should not be sold as part of the comb honey. ### How do I store comb honey before packaging? Comb honey should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The comb should be covered to protect it from dust and debris. Comb honey should be packaged as soon as possible after harvest to prevent moisture absorption. ### What should I do if the comb honey granulates in the jar? Granulated comb honey can be sold as creamed honey or used for cooking. The beekeeper should harvest comb honey early in the season when the honey has a lower glucose content to prevent granulation. Honey from sources with high fructose content granulates more slowly. ### How do I label comb honey for sale? The label should include the net weight, honey type, and producer information. The label should also include a lot number or batch identification to allow traceability. The label should comply with local food labeling regulations. ## Related Farming Guides - [Lentivirus Production](/blog/guides/plaque-assays-planning-controls-and-reporting-viral-titer) - [Beekeeping Colony Nutrition Seasonal Management Parasite Monitoring And Honey Harvest](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/beekeeping-colony-nutrition-seasonal-management-parasite-monitoring-and-honey-harvest) - [Seedstock Cattle Production Breeding Genetics And Business Planning](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/seedstock-cattle-operation-breeding-genetics-and-business-model) - [Mating Nucleus Management For Queen Production](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/mating-nucleus-management-for-queen-production) - [Veal Production Systems Housing Nutrition And Welfare](/knowledge/animal-farming/beef-cattle/veal-production-systems-housing-nutrition-and-welfare) ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Waste Management in the Apiary: Culling, Dead Hives, and Debris Disposal](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/waste-management-apiary-culling-dead-hives-debris-disposal) * [Package Bee Production: Business Planning and Colony Establishment](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/package-bee-production-business-planning-and-colony-establishment) * [Siting an Apiary: Legal Setbacks, Neighbor Relations, and Flight Paths](/knowledge/animal-farming/apiculture/siting-apiary-legal-setbacks-neighbor-relations-flight-paths) ## References and Further Reading - [www.fao.org](https://www.fao.org/pollination/en) - [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. - [Animal Health and Welfare](https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). USDA National Agricultural Library. - [Immature Honey as a Quality Challenge in Global Apicultural Production.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42354105). Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. - [Cell orientation characteristics of the natural combs of honey bee colonies.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35130275). PloS one, 2022. - [The Identification of Bee Comb Cell Contents Using Semiconductor Gas Sensors.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38139657). Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 2023. - [Honey bee foraging and pesticide exposure in a desert urban agroecosystem.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38321687). Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 2023. - [Antimicrobial Activity of Bee-Collected Pollen and Beebread: State of the Art and Future Perspectives.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33202560). Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 2020. - [An experiment on comb orientation by honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in traditional hives.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22812112). Journal of economic entomology, 2012. - [Brood and bee production in honey bee colonies in the Warmia and Mazury region of Poland](https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/75749124300). Journal of Apicultural Science, 2009. - [Transgenic soybean pollen (Glycine max L.) in honey from the Yucatán peninsula, Mexico](https://doi.org/10.1038/srep04022). Scientific Reports, 2014. - [Morphological Comparisons of Adult Worker Bees Developed in Chinese and Italian Honey Bee Combs](https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010104). Insects, 2025. > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.