Yes, honey wax (beeswax) is edible. While it's not typically considered a delicacy due to its lack of flavor and somewhat waxy texture, it's non-toxic and digestible. Many people consume small amounts of beeswax when eating honeycomb, as it's naturally included.
Understanding Honeycomb and Beeswax
Honeycomb, the structure bees build to store honey, is composed of beeswax cells filled with honey. The video "[How To Eat Honeycomb | Good Times With Jen - YouTube](
Several sources confirm the edibility of beeswax:
- Reddit discussions (r/food, r/NoStupidQuestions) mention the optional nature of eating the wax, noting that it's edible but might cause gas in large quantities.
- Articles (Asheville Bee Charmer, Healthline, Saratoga Tea and Honey) explicitly state that honeycomb, including the beeswax, is edible.
- Quora answers (Quora, Quora) also confirm the edibility of beeswax, although noting its lack of taste.
While some people may find the texture unpleasant, the consensus is that small amounts of beeswax are safe to consume. The concern usually arises with large quantities, possibly leading to digestive discomfort.
Practical Considerations
- Small pieces of honeycomb are often used as a garnish or topping for desserts.
- The amount of beeswax consumed typically depends on the size and type of honeycomb eaten.
- Large quantities might cause digestive issues for some individuals.
