Honey, Clarified

Syn. Refined honey , Strained h. ; Mel depuratum (Ph. D.), Mel præparatum , L. The honey is simply melted by the heat of a water bath, and strained whilst hot through flannel (Ph. D.); or—it is melted as last, and the scum removed (Ph. U. S.); or—it is melted with 1-3rd its weight of water, skimmed, strained through flannel, and evaporated until it reaches the sp. gr. 1·261. (P. Cod.) Honey is not to be employed without being desquamated. (Ph. L.) Obs. Clarified honey is le agreeable than raw honey, and has lost the crystalline character of the latter; but it is le liable to ferment and gripe. The use of copper and iron ve els or implements should be avoided, as honey acquires a dark colour by contact with them. Berlin-ware, stone-ware, or well-silvered or tin copper pans, should alone be used. On the large scale, one or other of the following plans are adopted:— 1. The honey is mixed with an equal weight of water and allowed to boil up 5 or 6 times without skimming; it is then removed from the fire, and after being cooled, brought on several strong linen strainers, stretched horizontally, and covered with a layer of clean and well-washed sand, an inch in depth; the sand is rinsed with a little cold water, and the mixed liquor is finally evaporated to the thickne of syrup. 2. Di olve the honey in water, as last, clarify with white of egg, and evaporate to a proper consistence. 3. Di olve in water, add 1 1 ⁄ 2 lb. of animal charcoal to every 1 ⁄ 4 cwt. of honey, gently simmer for 15 minutes, add a little chalk to saturate exce of acid, if required, strain or clarify, and evaporate. 4. Honey, 1 cwt.; water, 9 galls.; fresh burnt animal charcoal, 7 lbs.; simmer for 15 minutes, add a little chalk to saturate free acid (if required), strain or clarify, and evaporate as before.