What is the process by which nectar is converted to honey called?

The process by which nectar is converted to honey is referred to as ripening. This involves several steps carried out by honeybees after they collect nectar. When bees bring nectar back to the hive, they deposit it into hexagon-shaped beeswax cells and begin the ripening process.

During ripening, the bees fan their wings over the nectar, which helps to evaporate moisture from it, decreasing the water content and thickening the nectar into honey. Enzymes in the bees' saliva also play an important role by breaking down the sugars in the nectar, contributing to the transformation into honey. The ripening process is crucial because it not only alters the composition of the nectar but also enhances the honey’s flavor, aroma, and shelf life.

The other processes mentioned—evaporation, fermentation, and desaturation—do not accurately describe the complete transformation of nectar into honey in the context of beekeeping, hence why ripening is the correct choice in this scenario.