How to preserve drone homogenate
Drone homogenate is a beekeeping product with valuable properties and can help with many diseases, but it is not stored for a long time; in order to preserve its valuable properties, drone homogenate must be preserved. Let's consider what methods exist for preserving drone homogenate and their properties, as well as how drone homogenate is preserved.
Methods for preserving drone homogenate
The drone homogenate is preserved and packaged immediately after filtration. If the drone homogenate is frozen after filtration, and after a certain period of time is thawed and preserved, then its quality is lower.
To preserve drone homogenate, the following methods are used:
- Preservation of drone homogenate with honey,
- Preservation of drone homogenate with powdered sugar,
- Preservation of drone homogenate with alcohol,
- Preservation of drone homogenate with a mixture of lactose and glucose,
- Preservation of drone homogenate using argon,
- Preservation of drone homogenate by freezing.
Drone homogenate with honey
How to make drone homogenate with honey, what proportions to use? Preserving drone homogenate with honey is the simplest type of preservation available to any beekeeper.
Drone homogenate with honey, what proportions are used in production. Drone homogenate and honey are taken in a ratio of 1 to 1 by volume, by weight the ratio will be 1 to 1.5. You need fresh honey, but given the early spring period for obtaining drone homogenate, when fresh honey may not be available, you can use last year’s honey. Last year's year should be floral, soft varieties (acacia, linden, etc.), and in no case should honey be heated in order to melt it. Honey is added to the drone homogenate and mixed to a uniform consistency.
You can make drone homogenate with honey using a different proportion, you can take the ratio of drone homogenate to honey 1:50.
As you can see, any beekeeper can make drone homogenate with honey.
Drone homogenate with powdered sugar
Preservation of drone homogenate with powdered sugar is possible if the ratio of drone homogenate to powdered sugar is 1 to 1. Powdered sugar is added to the drone homogenate and mixed to a uniform consistency.
Drone homogenate with alcohol
Preservation of drone homogenate with alcohol is possible if the ratio of drone homogenate to alcohol is 1 to 1. Alcohol is added to the drone homogenate and mixed to a uniform consistency.
The second recommended dosage is a mixture of drone homogenate and 40% alcohol in a ratio of 1:50.
Drone homogenate with lactose and glucose
Preservation of drone homogenate with a mixture of lactose and glucose. A mixture of glucose and lactose is taken in a ratio of 1 to 1. One part of fresh native homogenate and six parts of the mixture (by weight) are thoroughly ground in a porcelain or glass bowl. The resulting mixture is placed in the refrigerator (temperature 4-6 C) in an unclosed container, where it gradually dries out over 3 months. After this, the resulting drug can be stored for up to 3 years, even at ambient temperature.
The second recommended dosage of the mixture is the ratio of drone homogenate, lactose, glucose in a ratio of 2:10:1, with a similar production technology followed by drying and UV disinfection.
Immediately after conservation, the drone homogenate is packaged.
Drone homogenate preserved with argon
Another way to preserve drone homogenate is using an inert gas – argon.
Preservation of drone larvae
In addition to preserving drone homogenate in alcohol, drone larvae are also preserved.
Take 60 larvae (about 20 g), add 100 ml of alcohol, leave in a dark place for 7-9 days, shaking occasionally, and then filter. The finished product should look like a clear liquid with a yellowish tint and a pleasant spicy aroma. It can be stored for up to 1 year without losing its healing properties. As a stabilizer (antioxidant), you can add 15 drops of an alcoholic 10–15% propolis solution to the tincture.
Freezing drone homogenate
Native drone homogenate, without treatment with preservatives, can simply be frozen. Freezing is carried out either gradually (from 0°C to minus 6°C) or deep freezing (- 196°C). After freezing, the drone homogenate is stored at stable low temperatures in a freezer or Dewar.
After defrosting, the drone homogenate cannot be frozen again, so the drone homogenate is immediately packaged in daily portions (2-3g) in a container for ease of administration and immediately placed in the freezer. Subsequently, before use, a single dose is first defrosted in the refrigerator, after which it is consumed.
Each preservation method determines the conditions and shelf life of the resulting product.
