How To Make Bee Candy For Queen Cages

Welcome to an exciting adventure in beekeeping! Creating bee candy boards is a delightful way to ensure your bees have the necessary sustenance during the colder months. This guide will walk you through making your own bee candy boards, perfect for offering your buzzing friends some extra sweetness when they need it most.

Bee Candy Board Image

Let’s take a look at the delightful bee candy boards that we will be creating. This visual will inspire you as we dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for Bee Candy Boards

Gather the following ingredients to make your bee candy:

5 cups of granulated sugar
2 cups of water
1/2 cup corn syrup (or light syrup)
1/4 teaspoon of vinegar (to inhibit crystallization)
Optional: a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or vanilla for additional flavor

Instructions for Making Bee Candy Boards

Follow these simple steps to make bee candy boards that your bees will love!

In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves.
Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the mixture to a boil. Avoid stirring as the syrup simmers.
After the syrup reaches a rolling boil, add the vinegar. This helps in preventing crystallization.
Using a candy thermometer, let the mixture cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C).
Remove the pot from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly. If you want to add essential oils, do so once the temperature has decreased a bit.
Prepare a flat surface, such as a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Pour the syrup onto the prepared surface and let it set for a few hours until it cools completely and hardens.
After it has set, cut the candy into squares or rectangles that will fit into your bee hives.
Store the bee candy in an airtight container until you are ready to place it in your hives.

By making your own bee candy boards, you’re providing essential nourishment to your bees during times when foraging is not possible. Enjoy your beekeeping experience, and happy crafting!