History of Manuka's Powers

History of Manuka's Powers
Laura Garet

Laura Garet

5 minutes

Key Takeaways: 

  • Manuka honey's origins begin with New Zealand’s Maori heritage. 
  • There are various misconceptions associated with Manuka honey; for instance, it should never be considered a cure-all treatment of any kind.
  • Manukora ensures the highest quality of Manuka honey through ethical beekeeping, raw processing, and full traceability, honoring traditional methods.
  • Manuka honey is a versatile addition to wellness routines. It’s used as a natural sweetener and soothing agent, promoting and supporting a balanced lifestyle.

 

One of Nature’s Greatest Gifts

Manuka honey is rich—rich in history, nutrients, and flavor! These attributes are what have launched it into superstardom. In fact, this remarkable honey has journeyed from the lush landscapes of New Zealand to the shelves of stores and pantries worldwide. 

At Manukora, we are dedicated to preserving the traditional and natural methods of producing this exceptional honey. We ensure that every jar reflects our commitment to quality and authenticity so you can experience Manuka honey the way it was intended. 

As such, in this article, we explore Manuka honey’s historical significance and distinctive qualities, looking at how it evolved from a local tradition to a globally recognized superfood.

 

Origins and Traditional Use

The story of Manuka honey begins in the wild, untouched landscapes of New Zealand as early as the 1300s. The indigenous Maori people have long respected and appreciated the Manuka tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium) for its healing properties. 

The Maori utilized various parts of the tree, including the leaves, bark, and sap, in their traditional medicinal practices. However, the nectar from the Manuka flowers, transformed by bees into honey, held a special place in their health and wellness routines.

The Maori traditionally used Manuka honey to support natural wellness. They believed in its soothing properties, using it as a natural sweetener and a tonic. While modern science had yet to validate various other uses of Manuka honey in Maori tradition, the Maori’s respect for this honey’s potential laid the foundation for its future recognition.

Manuka honey’s unsung hero is the resilient Manuka tea tree, a native to New Zealand. This tree is indispensable in the creation of this incredible honey. The Manuka tea tree grows in remote terrains in New Zealand, from the North Island’s northernmost tip to the rugged coasts of the South Island. 

This tree highlights the island’s lush biodiversity. Its resilience allows it to survive droughts and frost, prevent soil erosion, and re-establish itself after land clearing. 

Additionally, the tree’s small, pointed foliage, packed with beneficial compounds, and its tiny, potent flowers contribute to the unique qualities of Manuka honey. The nectar from these flowers contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a nutrient with antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, putting Manuka honey in a league of its own.

 

Scientific Unveiling and Global Recognition

Since the beginning of its journey, we’ve learned a lot about the lore of Manuka honey through scientific research. 

Investigating its unique properties led to groundbreaking findings, like methylglyoxal (MGO)a compound that contains unique antibacterial properties.

Dr. Peter Molan, a prestigious biochemist at the University of Waikato, was instrumental in unveiling Manuka honey’s extraordinary qualities. His research in the 1980s highlighted that the antibacterial effects of the nutrients in Manuka honey were far superior to those of other kinds of honey. This discovery propelled Manuka honey into the global spotlight, sparking interest in its potential health and wellness applications.

As scientific studies continued to shine a well-deserved light on it, Manuka honey gained popularity beyond New Zealand. It became a sought-after ingredient in wellness products and a welcome addition to the diets of health-conscious individuals worldwide. 

Today, Manuka honey is celebrated not only for its taste but also for its contribution to overall wellness.

 

Manukora’s Dedication to Tradition and Quality

At Manukora, we take pride in our dedication to producing high-quality Manuka honey that honors its rich heritage. Our methods emphasize ethical beekeeping practices, ensuring our bees thrive in their natural habitats. We prioritize raw processing techniques to maintain the honey’s natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.

Traceability and purity are at the heart of our production process. Each jar of Manukora Manuka honey is carefully monitored from hive to shelf, ensuring our customers receive an authentic, high-quality product. Our commitment to these principles is unrelenting, reflecting our respect for the traditional methods passed down through generations!

 

Modern Applications and Misconceptions

Manuka honey has been lovingly adopted into wellness routines across the globe. From being a delightful addition to tea and smoothies to serving as a natural sweetener in recipes, its uses are diverse and delicious.

However, it is essential to address common misconceptions about Manuka honey. While it is celebrated for its unique properties, it should not replace modern treatments. Manuka honey should not be seen as a cure-all but rather as a supplemental component of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Integrating it into your daily routine allows you to experience the natural goodness that has been cherished for centuries. Whether you drizzle it over your morning yogurt, stir it into your tea, or enjoy it straight from the spoon, Manuka honey offers a delightful way to enhance your well-being.

 

A Taste of Traditional Manuka Honey From Manukora

At Manukora, we’re passionate about all things Manuka honey, and with our commitment to tradition and cultural significance, you’ll experience Manuka honey in the way it was intended. 

Try it in your favorite foods and beverages, and embrace the natural goodness that this honey brings to your life. By illustrating and outlining the rich history, scientific discoveries, and modern applications of Manuka honey, we hope you now have an understanding of why Manuka honey is globally renowned and how Manukora’s dedication to quality ensures that this ancient treasure continues to be a staple in contemporary wellness practices.

​​Join us in celebrating the rich history and extraordinary qualities of Manuka honey, one of our favorite gifts from nature!



Sources: 

The History of Manuka Honey in New Zealand

Manuka Honey | WebMD

The Facts — and Myths — of Manuka Honey

The Ultimate Guide to Mānuka Honey

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