Weights and Measures
There are two systems for weights used in food: Minimum Weight and Average Weight.
When jarring up our honey we use the Minimum Weight system. So each jar of honey will contain at least the weight of honey mentioned on the label.
Calibration Checks
Over time scales can lose accuracy and need calibrating.
Periodically before jarring our honey we check the calibration of our scales using calibration weights. Today we are preparing to jar up 340g jars of summer honey that will be set aside to naturally granulate.
First step is to tare the scales without the weights on. Then add the target weight. And check the scales report it accurately. (The left most number on our scales)
Target Weight
The Set weight on the right is the weight we want to fill our jars to. I set this to one gram higher than the weight we declare on our labels to account for slight variations in jars and the accuracy of the scales.
Filling
Once set up we place the first empty jar on the bottling machine scales. Tare the scales so that the weight shows as zero. Then the jar is filled to the set point weight.
Each successive empty jar we tare the scales if needed as jars can vary in weight.
Our jarring machine is pretty accurate but the viscosity of honey means occasionaĺly we end up with a little more in the jar (buyers bonus).
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