Beeswax: Rendering, Processing, and Uses from Your Hive

Rendering BeeswaxOld brood comb and cappings wax from honey extraction contain significant quantities of beeswax that can be rendered and reused. The simplest method: place crushed wax in a stainless steel pot, add enough water to cover, and heat slowly until the wax melts. Strain through several layers of cheesecloth into another container. As the wax cools it floats on the water and solidifies into a cake that can be lifted off and dried. Repeat if necessary to improve colour and purity.Beeswa…