Edible Cape Cod

Building A Sweet Life in West Barnstable

• Photo by Cori Egan

  It's hard to believe Steven Pelletier only gets stung "a couple of times a year". Inset: Beeswax caps lock in the over five pounds of honey stored on each frame.

• Photo by Cori Egan

• Photo by Cori Egan

  The foragers returning home.

• Photo by Cori Egan

  The smoker helps keep the bees in check while Pelletier pulls out frames loaded with honey.

• Photo by Cori Egan

  A close-up of the hive when the lid is removed. Cori Egan photo (thankfully).

• Photo by Cori Egan

  Sweet gold.

• Photo by Cori Egan

  Steven cranks the centrifuge to spin the frames and collect the honey within.

• Photo by Cori Egan

  Pelletier uses a finely-tined comb to remove the beeswax caps to release the honey.

• Photo by Cori Egan

  Extracted honey is poured through a double strainer to remove impurities.

• The aroma of honey fills the air, and brings the bees calling.

• The bees will clean every last bit of remaining honey from the spun frames and return it to the hive.

• Steven and Jeanne Pelletier in front of an old chicken coop on their property, which dates back to 1780.