Squares and triangles can also tessallate, but the same number of squares or triangles on a surface take up more space as compared to the same number of hexagons. The six equal sides provide for significant cell rigidity and strength. Several rows of circles, for example, would not fit neatly together. This means that the shape can be repeated across a flat surface without overlapping or leaving any gaps. First, a hexagon has a property called tessallation. This shape is a deliberate and excellent choice for several reasons. You can either uncap the honeycomb and spin out the honey using an extractor, or simply cut out squares and package it as pure honeycomb.Ī six-sided polygon, commonly called a hexagon, is not a random shape adopted by the bees inside their beehive. When the honey falls below 18% moisture (how do the honey bees know this?), then the cell is capped with a thin layer of wax. This is called "drawing out the comb." Worker bees then deposit nectar mixed with enzymes into these cells and fan the mixture to evaporate excess moisture. Using these hexagon outlines, the honey bees then make their own beeswax to create three-dimensional cells. Wedged inside these frames are thin sheets of beeswax, stamped with little hexagon shapes. To make the honey comb structure, a beekeeper will place wooden frames inside the beehive.
Beeswax turns yellow as the bees walk all over it with their fuzzy, pollen-covered bodies. The beeswax is secreted from a special gland on the honeybee's abdomen, and comes out as small, oval scales. A portion of the bees in a hive are making fresh beeswax and honeycomb structure nearly every day.
Honeycomb is made from beeswax cells that are filled with honey. Plus, honeycomb is nutritious and there are some health benefits from eating raw honeycomb. Biting into a fresh piece of honeycomb is a rare and satisfying treat. Often, they would keep the honey in the comb and offer it as a special treat to visiting friends and family. The bees would pollinate the summer crops and, as a added bonus, farmers would harvest some honey. A generation or two ago, most family farms had beehives. W hat is honeycomb? For many people, raw honeycomb brings back memories of visiting their grandparent's farm.
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