Executive Summary:

• Manuka honey is produced only two to six weeks of the year from the Manuka tea tree in New Zealand.
• Manuka honey is considered a superfood due to its unique MGO content.
• There are many ways to add Manuka honey to your lifestyle, including having it by the heaping teaspoon or adding it to tea or meals.
• The nutrients in Manuka honey support digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.
• Authentic Manuka honey will have third-party testing, including MGO and UMF.

Debunking Manuka Honey Myths

As the global popularity of Manuka honey continues to soar, so does the intrigue. While you might already know the creamy and delicious taste of authentic Manuka honey, you might also have plenty of questions. 

How do you know whether Manuka honey is authentic or not? Can you cook with Manuka honey? What is the difference between Manuka honey and regular honey?

In this article, we address these frequently asked questions and more—helping you make an informed decision and demystifying this yummy golden indulgence once and for all.

What is Manuka Honey and How is it Different? 

Manuka honey is a special type of honey that is produced by bees that pollinate the flowers of the Manuka tea tree (a native plant found in New Zealand). Unlike traditional honey, Manuka honey is known for its distinctive creamy flavor and darker and richer color. 

Beyond its taste and appearance, Manuka honey is globally renowned for its high nutrient content. Manuka honey contains Methylglyoxal (MGO), prebiotics, and antioxidants, which support overall wellness, immunity, and digestion. In fact, the standout characteristic is its MGO content, which has antibacterial effects. 

The Manuka tea trees also only flower between two to six weeks a year. On top of this, the weather conditions must allow the bees to do their job right. If there are high winds and rain, the bees can face many hurdles as they collect the Manuka tea tree’s precious nectar during this narrow window.

Common Questions About Using Manuka Honey 

Here are some of the common questions we frequently get about Manuka honey.

How can you use Manuka honey?

You can enjoy Manuka honey in many different ways. You may choose to eat it by the heaping spoonful or add it on top of yogurt, ice cream, oatmeal, or smoothies. It can also substitute sugar as a sweetener, adding a delicious hint of something sweet to any beverage, such as your daily cup of tea.

Can you cook with Manuka honey?

You can cook with Manuka honey similar to how you would with regular honey. However, it’s worth knowing that heating Manuka honey above 100 degrees Fahrenheit depletes its beneficial nutrients. To avoid this, add Manuka honey as a drizzle after cooking or once your water has come off a boil.

Can Manuka honey go bad?

When stored correctly, Manuka honey won’t expire. The best-before date on most Manuka honey products, like Manukora, merely refers to the date that the honey tastes better before. In fact, Manuka honey tends to have a shelf life of five years. Yet, it can last longer if stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

Health-Related FAQs 

Manuka honey is famous for its beneficial nutrients. In fact, MGO is only found in Manuka honey and is specific to the Manuka tea tree. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the frequently asked questions relating to Manuka honey’s beneficial nutrients.

How does Manuka honey support general wellness?

Manuka honey supports overall wellness due to its high nutritional content. Beneficial nutrients, like MGO, prebiotics, and antioxidants, support immunity, digestion, and more.

What makes Manuka honey so special?

Manuka honey is famous for its MGO (methylglyoxal) content that gives way to antibacterial effects. The bees can also only collect the nectar from the Manuka tea tree for two to six weeks per year, making it much more rare and more precious than other types of honey.

Is Manuka honey safe for kids and pregnant women?

Manuka honey is safe for pregnant women who don’t have diabetes or gastrointestinal issues. It’s also considered safe for children over one year of age. Under one year of age, children’s immune and digestive systems may not be able to pass any botulism-causing bacteria efficiently. 

Is Manuka honey high in sugar?

Manuka honey is high in sugar and ranks in the medium category under the Glycemic Index (GI). This is why we recommend enjoying it in moderation, incorporating only a teaspoon or two per day.

Manuka Honey Buying Concerns 

Ensuring your Manuka honey is genuine and authentic is a big concern amongst consumers. So, let’s get down to it and answer common buying questions about this golden indulgence.

How can you ensure your Manuka honey is genuine?

With Manukora, every Manuka honey product has a QR code that allows you to trace it back to the source. By scanning this code, you can view confirmation of authenticity, the batch number of the product, the harvest region, the beekeeper, third-party test results, and the potency of your specific Manuka honey product.

What quality markers should you look for?

On each Manuka honey product, you'll want to look for the MGO and UMF rating. MGO is one of the key bioactive compounds in Manuka honey. The higher the MGO, the higher the other key bioactives such as Leptosperin (a key antioxidant). Meanwhile, UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factors. This third-party testing ensures that the honey contains all factors that make Manuka honey unique. In other words, it measures the bioactive nutrients in the honey, including MGO, DHA, HMF, and Leptosperin, and its quality. 

Why is Manuka honey more expensive than regular honey?

Manuka honey is more expensive than regular honey for a few reasons. First, it comes from a remote part of New Zealand that is home to the Manuka tea tree. Secondly, the Manuka tea tree only flowers for two to six weeks a year, making this a rare form of honey.

Dive Into the World of Manuka Honey Today!

Manuka honey is a wonderful addition to any lifestyle. However, it pays to be informed. Knowing the above can ensure you always purchase authentic Manuka honey (like Manukora Manuka honey) and that you consume it responsibly. 

For instance, the unique properties of Manuka Honey MGO 600+ UMF 16 showcase a high level of the MGO compound, making it a popular choice for those seeking specific health benefits.

For an even more potent option, consider the Manuka Honey UMF 24+ MGO 1123, renowned for its superior quality. For those new to Manuka honey, Manuka Honey MGO 200 is a great starting point, offering a balanced taste and beneficial properties.

Want to learn more? Read our blog to discover more about this incredible daily indulgence, or better yet, share the joy of Manuka honey at your next get-together. Try our MGO 850+ or take our MGO quiz and uncover what MGO level is right for you and your needs.