New to extracting, or just have a couple of hives to process? This one's on the house. Our club's 2-frame hand-crank extractor is free for members to borrow — a simple, rugged steel drum that's perfect for small harvests without tying up the big power unit.
The best part: a previous owner modified the crank handle so you can drive it with a standard power drill instead of turning it by hand. Bring a drill and you get powered spinning without the hand-crank workout — or leave the drill at home and crank it the classic way. Your call.
What you're borrowing
- Spins 2 frames at a time — sized right for a hive or two
- Steel drum construction — solid and built to take normal use
- Drill-adapter handle — use a cordless drill for effortless spinning, or hand-crank it
- No motor, no cords, nothing to plug in — grab it and go
What you'll need to bring
- Your uncapped frames
- A power drill (optional, but recommended — makes the job much easier)
- A 5-gallon food-grade bucket for the honey
- A strainer or filter for clean jarred honey
- Clean towels — extracting is sticky work
Good to know before you borrow
- This one is free to the community — just reserve a day on the calendar so we don't double-book it.
- Go easy on the drill speed. Start slow and ramp up gently — spinning too fast can blow comb out of the frames, especially fresh or fragile comb.
- Please return it clean and dry — rinse the drum with warm water, wipe it down, so it's ready for the next member.
- Handle it with care; this is shared club gear we all want to keep in service.
Reserve your day below — no charge, just claim a slot. 🍯
Flavor Profile
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado's high country, where the air is pure and nature thrives in abundance, our bees embark on a delightful journey, tasting the very essence of this pristine region's generosity.
Buckwheat: A modest, unassuming plant, yet its nectar yields a honey that is robust with a mellow, vanilla undertone. Rich in antioxidants, this unique flavor profile not only stands out but also balances the sugary whispers from the fruit trees, making it a treasured ingredient in our honey blend.
Fruit Trees: The gentle sway of peach, plum, apple, cherry, pear, and the radiant raspberries paint a picture not just for the eyes but for the palate. Each tree and bush, with its distinct blossom, offers the bees a sweet sip. From the tangy apple to the delicate sweetness of cherry and the zesty hint of raspberries, there's a tale in every taste.
Wildflowers: Dancing in the wild are the unsung floral heroes. They impart a subtle but exquisite floral note, gracefully tying together the boldness of buckwheat and the sweetness of the orchards.
Honey Care
Once you receive your honey, here are a few simple tips to help maintain it’s taste and freshness:
Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your honey away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. A kitchen cabinet or pantry is ideal.
Tightly seal the container: Ensure the cork is securely fastened after each use to prevent moisture from entering, which can lead to fermentation.
Avoid introducing contaminates: Always use clean utensils when scooping honey. Refrain from dipping wet or used spoons into the bottle to maintain its purity.
Crystallization is natural: Over time, honey might crystallize, turning thick and grainy. This doesn't mean it's spoiled. To return it to a liquid state, gently warm the bottle in a water bath, making sure not to overheat, as this can degrade its quality.
Remember, honey is one of the few foods that never spoils. With the right care, you can enjoy its sweetness for years to come!