Crush-and-Strain Honey Harvesting
This article is part of our complete guide to Starting Beekeeping in South Africa.
The crush-and-strain method is the simplest and most affordable way to harvest honey.
It works well for small-scale beekeepers in South Africa, especially those using Top-Bar or Langstroth hives without extractors.
This method requires minimal equipment and keeps the honey raw and unheated.
What Is the Crush-and-Strain Method?
It’s a manual technique where you crush the honeycomb to release the honey, then strain it through mesh or cloth to remove wax and debris.
✅ No need for an extractor or electricity—ideal for off-grid or low-budget operations.
Best Time to Harvest Using This Method
- Late spring to mid-summer when nectar flow peaks.
- After 80% of the comb is capped (white wax covering the cells).
- Avoid harvesting during drought or poor forage periods.
What You Need
- Clean food-grade bucket or bowl
- Mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Uncapping knife or bread knife
- Stainless steel spoon or masher
- Airtight containers or jars
- Gloves and clean workspace
✅ Optional: A bucket with a tap (honey gate) for easy bottling.
Step-by-Step: How to Do It
1. Remove the Honeycomb from the Hive
- Choose frames or bars with fully capped honey.
- Gently brush off bees using a soft bee brush.
- Cut the honeycomb out using a clean knife.
2. Crush the Comb
- Place the comb in a clean bowl or container.
- Use a spoon, potato masher, or gloved hands to break it into small pieces.
- Let the crushed mixture sit for 30–60 minutes to start releasing honey.
3. Strain the Honey
- Pour the crushed comb into a strainer or cheesecloth placed over a bucket or bowl.
- Allow honey to drain for several hours (or overnight) in a warm, dust-free room.
- Stir occasionally to speed up drainage.
4. Bottle and Store
- Pour strained honey into airtight jars or bottles.
- Label with harvest date and floral source (if known).
- Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
✅ Don’t refrigerate honey—it crystallises faster at low temperatures.
What to Do with Leftover Wax
- Melt it down and strain again to make beeswax blocks.
- Use it to make candles, balms, or fire starters.
- Avoid discarding—it’s valuable.
Advantages of Crush-and-Strain
- Low cost and minimal equipment
- Keeps honey raw (unheated, unprocessed)
- Allows harvesting from irregular comb shapes
- Great for remote or off-grid beekeeping
Disadvantages
- Destroys the comb – bees must rebuild it
- More labour-intensive than using an extractor
- Not ideal for large-scale operations
Tips for Best Results
- Use clean tools and containers to avoid contamination.
- Harvest during dry weather to keep moisture levels low.
- Allow bees to cap most of the honey before harvesting (prevents fermentation).
Downloadable Checklist
Click here to download a Crush-and-Strain Harvesting Checklist (Coming soon!)
Final Thoughts
The crush-and-strain method is perfect for beginners and part-time beekeepers. It gives you full control over your honey, keeps it natural, and doesn’t require expensive equipment. With care and hygiene, it delivers beautiful, raw honey straight from your own hive.