Insights into how we work
Modern Beekeeping
Our work combines regular colony inspections with measurement data and laboratory analysis. On this page, we explain what hive scales can tell us, what DNA analysis reveals about our honey, and where these methods have limitations.
Transparent origins
DNA analysis of our honey
DNA analysis examines traces of plant DNA in a honey sample. The detected sequences are assigned to plant species or broader plant groups, producing a botanical profile of the sample.
What the percentages mean
The percentages describe the distribution of plant DNA molecules detected in the sample. They do not mean that exactly this percentage of the honey consists of nectar from a particular plant. The result describes the sample tested and may vary from harvest to harvest.
Origin and authenticity testing
The results we publish primarily document the botanical profile of our honey. DNA-based methods can also help verify the authenticity of honey.
Examples of how DNA methods are used in authenticity testing include an article by ZDFheute ↗ and the ZDF documentary “Fake Honey: A Sweet Illusion” ↗.
An analysis example
2026 summer blossom honey from Eschborn
The sample was received by Sinsoma on 7 July 2026. A total of 14,373 plant DNA molecules from 39 species and 28 genera were detected.
- Rapeseed
- 35.77%
- Sweet chestnut
- 28.34%
- Wild blackberry and dewberry
- 18.00%
The values show the share of plant DNA molecules detected in this sample. The full result includes additional plant findings.
The Sinsoma chart is only loaded after you have given your consent.
Keeping an eye on our colonies
Sensors and sensor data
Hive scales and additional sensors record values at the hive and in its immediate surroundings at regular intervals. This allows us to observe developments over time without opening the hive for every measurement.
- Weight and weight changes
- Weight gains during a nectar flow show incoming nectar and the development of honey stores. This helps us estimate the potential honey yield over time. Feed consumption, swarming events, and work carried out on the hive also become visible.
- Internal temperature
- The internal temperature shows how conditions inside the hive change and how the colony responds. During the brood-rearing season, sufficiently strong colonies usually maintain about 34 to 35 °C around the brood nest. Sensor position, season and outdoor temperature are also important when interpreting the data.
- Humidity
- This adds context about conditions at the monitored location.
- Wind
- Wind speed and changes over time help us assess shifts in flying conditions.
- UV radiation and light intensity
- These readings describe light conditions and the progression of the day at the location.
Sensor readings complement our work at the apiary: No single reading explains its cause. Meaningful insights come only from looking at trends across the readings alongside the weather, available forage and our on-site inspections. Sensors do not replace expert assessment or hands-on work with the colony: care, swarm control and honey harvesting remain manual tasks that require experience and beekeeping skill.
Current readings
Live data from our locations
Select a location to view the latest readings from the hive scale installed there. The display is provided by Wolf Waagen and is only loaded after you have given your consent.
The live data is provided by Wolf Waagen. We only load it with your consent.