Although many people are familiar with honey, not a lot of people know about honeycombs. This eye-catching structure houses the honey before it’s harvested, and it can actually be used too. Here’s more information about this unique bee product.

What to Know About Honeycombs

What is it?

This hexagonal-shaped structure is made by honeybees. The insects consume nectar to produce wax from their glands to form the six-sided comb. The honeycomb is expanded over time as the bees collect more nectar.

What’s in the comb?

Each hexagon in the comb contains honey, and the bees add it to the comb after returning from collecting flower nectar. To protect the quality of the honey and the vitality of the insects, beekeepers check the comb to make sure there aren’t any bees inside it before releasing the golden honey.

Can you eat it?

Honeycomb is just as edible as the honey itself. The entire structure is safe to consume, including the bee-produced cells filled with the gooey substance. To eat it, simply spoon it into your mouth like any other dessert. Due to the wax content, you’ll notice that the cells have a chewy consistency similar to gum.

How do you use it?

Eat it as is if you prefer it in its original, pure form. You can also brake it up over plain yogurt to give it a hint of sweetness or add it to baked goods, like cookies and cakes. If you’re feeling creative, place it alongside fruits and cheeses to make a sweet and savory charcuterie board.

If you want to try honeycombs for yourself, get them from Manoa Honey on Oahu, HI. These professionals are the only beekeepers on the island, and they offer delicious, local bee products, like honeycombs, fresh pollen, and raw honey. To place an order, visit the website or call (808) 927-0501.