Creative Candy Board For Bees Recipe You Need

As a novice beekeeper, I’m often looking for ways to support my bees, especially during the colder months. One of the most effective ways to ensure they have enough food is by making a candy board. Today, I want to share a simple recipe for a candy board that your bees will surely appreciate.

Visual Inspiration for Your Candy Board

Before diving into the recipe, here’s a beautiful image that depicts what a candy board can look like when made perfectly.

Ingredients for the Candy Board

To create your own candy board, you will need the following ingredients:

5 pounds of granulated sugar
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of corn syrup
1 teaspoon of vinegar (this helps balance the pH)
A few drops of peppermint or lemon grass essential oil (optional, for flavoring)
Wax paper or parchment paper (for lining the board)
Wood or plastic base (to hold the candy board above the hive)

Instructions for Making the Candy Board

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, here are the steps to create a delicious candy board for your bees:

In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, and vinegar. Stir the mixture on medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir at this point. Allow it to boil until it reaches the hard ball stage, which is approximately 250°F (121°C) on a candy thermometer.
After reaching the right temperature, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. If you wish to add essential oils, do so at this stage.
Prepare your wax paper or parchment paper on your base. Pour the candy mixture onto the lined base, spreading it evenly to about 1 inch thick.
Allow the candy to cool and harden completely. This process may take a few hours, so be patient.
Once hardened, carefully remove the candy from the wax paper and place it above your bees in the hive using a properly fitting hive lid.

And there you have it! A lovely recipe for a candy board that your bees will definitely enjoy. Remember to check on your hives periodically and ensure your bees are thriving during the colder months. Happy beekeeping!