What Is Manuka Honey and Why It’s Unique

How to Determine the Authenticity of Manuka Honey?

The worldwide popularity of Manuka honey has led to many cheap imitations or adulterated products circulating in the market. This makes it very hard for you to make sure the honey you just bought is authentic and pure.

However, there are some tests that help you determine the quality of your Manuka honey. Before buying this honey, make sure it has been tested and graded using the following methods.

1. The UMF Rating System: A Standard for The Quality and Potency of Manuka Honey

The most effective way to determine the authenticity of your Manuka honey is by looking at its UMF rating. UMF, which stands for unique Manuka factor, is a grading or certification system that is used in New Zealand to determine the MGO, DHA, and Leptosperin contents of the Manuka honey. This system gives you an idea about the purity, origin, and authenticity of Manuka honey. 

Manuka honey with UMF 5 to 9 is suitable as a sweetener. UMF 10 to 15 Manuka has mild medicinal properties due to low MGO contents. UMF 15+ Manuka honey has the highest MGO content and the highest potency, which is why it is most commonly used for medicinal purposes.

2. MGO Test

This test is used to determine the Methylglyoxal (MGO) content of Manuka honey, which gives it its potent antibacterial properties. Authentic and high-grade Manuka honey has an MGO of 100 mg/kg to 400+ mg/kg. The more the MGO content, the more potent the Manuka honey.

3. Leptosperin Content

This test tells you about the leptosperin content in Manuka honey, which gives an estimation of its botanical authenticity and antioxidant features. Leptosperin is only found in the nectar of Manuka flowers, which means it cannot be faked or added afterward, which makes this test a great way to ensure the originality of Manuka honey.

4. DHA Test

This is another effective test that allows you to determine the floral origin of Manuka honey and to predict its MGO levels.

5. MPI Grading

The New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) used strict standards to maintain the authenticity of the Manuka honey. Make sure the Manuka honey you buy is certified and graded by the MPI to ensure its authenticity and traceability.

Benefits of Manuka Honey for Your Health

The following are some major health benefits of Manuka honey that show why you need to add it to your daily diet and lifestyle.

• A Natural Source of Energy

This honey is rich in natural sugars, MGO, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains calories, proteins, and beneficial enzymes that ensure you stay healthy, energetic, and fueled throughout the day.

• Enhances Digestive Health

This honey contains prebiotic oligosaccharides that keep your gut healthy. Its antibacterial features ensure your gastrointestinal system stays in the best shape. Manuka honey soothes inflammation and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. This prevents IBS, diarrhoea, bloating, and other digestive issues.

• Enhances Immunity

High MGO levels and greater antioxidant concentrations of Manuka honey prevent oxidative stress on your body and stimulate immune cell activity, which strengthens your immune system.

• Contains Antioxidants

Pure Manuka honey is a rich source of antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids, which neutralize environmental stressors, keeping you healthy both inside and out.

• Relieves Sore Throat

Manuka honey fights destructive microbes called Streptococcus, which are linked to sore throats. Regular use of this honey can treat and prevent sore throat and common cold symptoms. Its cough suppressant and immune-boosting properties further make it an effective remedy for seasonal allergies.

• Treats Acne

This honey has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which makes it a perfect ingredient for face masks, lotions, and creams. Regular use of this honey destroys acne-causing bacteria and maintains the pH levels of your skin. This gives you clear and radiant skin without any side effects.

• Heals Minor Burns and Wounds

You can apply Manuka honey topically to minor wounds, burns, or abrasions. It creates a protective layer over the damaged parts of your skin, which stops infections and promotes faster and healthier regeneration of cells and tissues.

• Enhances Oral Health

Manuka honey prevents gum inflammation, tooth decay, plaque formation, and other major oral issues. It does that by eliminating Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans bacteria from your mouth.

Manuka Honey VS Regular Honey: Key Differences

Manuka honey is far superior to regular honey when it comes to its flavor, nutritional profile, and therapeutic effects. The following are some key differences between regular honey and Manuka honey that clearly show why it is the best.

Why is Manuka Honey So Expensive?

Manuka honey is among the most expensive monofloral honey varieties out there, and the following are a few reasons why.

• Geographical Limitations

Unlike regular honey, which is made by wildflowers or plants that are found in most parts of the world, Manuka honey is only made in New Zealand and from the nectar of Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka bush), which only grows in remote regions of this country.

This geography limits the supply of Manuka honey, which drives up the price.

• Short Flowering Season

The Manuka tree blossoms for only about 2 to 6 weeks, which greatly limits the nectar collection and the honey production, which is another reason why this rare honey is so expensive.

• High Demand in the Health and Wellness Sector

This honey has high MGO content and potent medicinal properties, which are not found in regular honey. This increases the demand for this honey in the health and wellness sector, where people use it to create homemade remedies, commercial skincare products, and healthy foods and beverages.

• Strict Testing

Each batch of Manuka honey is vigorously tested to make sure it meets the local and international quality and purity standards. The testing and grading of this honey is a costly endeavor, which also contributes to its high prices.    

• Low Yield

Manuka flowers bloom for a short time, and they also produce very little nectar. This leads to low honey yields and high prices.

• Labor Intensive Harvesting Conditions

Manuka bushes grow in remote and hard-to-reach areas. To access these locations and extract honey, beekeepers use special means of transport and harvesting tools. Other factors, like wind or rain can also make the harvesting more time-consuming and physically draining. This also contributes to the high prices of Manuka honey.

What Makes Manuka Honey Rare?

The following are a few points that show why this honey is so rare.

• This honey is made exclusively from manuka plants that are native to some parts of New Zealand.

• This is the only monofloral honey that has a high MGO content and which leads to its unparalleled antibacterial properties.

• This honey has its own dedicated grading system known as UMF, which indicates its purity and authenticity.

• The production of this honey is limited by the short blossoming time of the Manuka bushes and the labor-intensive harvesting process. 

• This honey undergoes extreme testing and certification processes, which also leads to limited availability.

Conclusion

Manuka honey, New Zealand’s exotic golden elixir, is made from a seasonally limited source. The harvesting, testing, and packaging of this honey are done using intricate and environmentally friendly processes.

This one-of-a-kind monofloral honey is a nutrient-rich, flavorful, and healthy natural sweetener that is sure to leave a lasting impression both on your palate and your body.

This rare and expensive honey has no match when it comes to its flavor, color, and health benefits, and you must at least try it once to really understand what makes it so special and unique.

Visit GEOHONEY today to buy the best pure monofloral honey sourced ethically from beekeepers from all over the globe to get the best value for your money.