Executive Summary:
- New Zealand boasts diverse, pristine landscapes where the Manuka tea tree flourishes.
- The Manuka tea tree survives harsh climatic conditions to produce nectar that reflects the fertile soil of New Zealand.
- The hardy Manuka tea tree boasts unique medicinal properties and plays a vital role in preserving New Zealand’s forests.
- Manuka honey producers employ age-old beekeeping methods that protect the bees and preserve the Manuka tea tree (and its honey) for future generations.
- Manukora’s Manuka honey contains unique and beneficial nutrients that reflect the richness of New Zealand’s land and The Art of Ethical Beekeeping.
New Zealand's Pristine Terrain: The Heart of Manuka Honey Production
From active volcanic peaks and glacier-carved fjords to untouched wetlands, dense coastal forests, and sweeping sandy shores, New Zealand’s landscapes create a breathtaking canvas of contrast, diversity, and raw natural beauty.
In this vibrant and fertile environment, often subjected to harsh climatic conditions, a unique and powerful plant has flourished for thousands of years—a showpiece of Mother Nature that continues to amaze and intrigue those who study it.
Through droughts and extreme cold, the legendary Manuka tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium) has adapted to thrive in the organic and nutrient-dense soil of New Zealand’s coastal forests—and due to its incredible medicinal properties, produces nectar unlike any other on earth.
The Pristine Beauty of New Zealand
When you zoom in on New Zealand’s remote natural forests, coastlines, and rolling hills you find them untouched by extensive settlement or development. The air is pure and the diverse terrains are pristine and protected—including the extensive coastal forests that feature tall Kauri trees, clusters of ferns, and the evergreen shrub-like plant, the Manuka tea tree.
It is here that Mother Nature expertly choreographs the mutually beneficial dance between the flora and fauna native to this green, lush land. The natural products that result reflect the quality and complexity of this fertile and diverse environment.
As honeybees feast on the golden nectar of the Manuka tea tree, they produce a honey that is rich, organic, and nutrient-dense—a honey with roots in the land it was created from.
The Manuka Tea Tree: New Zealand's Floral Gem
While the world is only beginning to embrace the wonder of the Manuka tea tree, native New Zealanders have celebrated its powerful and beneficial properties for hundreds of years. To the Māori people, every facet of this marvelous plant, from its woody bark and gum to its leathery leaves and seeds, holds medicinal value.
Known as “The Plant that Walks through Fire,” the Manuka tea tree plays a key role in conserving the distinctive forests of New Zealand. When fires strike, its high volatile oil content intensifies the blaze causing its woody capsules of seeds to burst open and settle on the newly-enriched soil.
Amidst apparent devastation, the Manuka tea tree is the first plant to re-establish itself, prevent soil erosion, and provide shelter for more delicate species—the Manuka tea tree is a survivor, pioneer, and matriarch of the ecosystem of this land.
Yet, its wonder doesn’t stop there. For a brief window—only two to six weeks of the year—the Manuka tea tree blooms. Tiny white and pink flowers cover its stems and invite busy honey bees to delight in its irresistible, complex, rich nectar and spread its pollen in return. This generous exchange guarantees the survival of the bees and the continued life-cycle of the incredible Manuka tea tree.
Traditional Beekeeping: Harmony with Nature
To harvest the liquid gold that is Manuka honey, without compromising on its quality or interrupting the delicate relationship between the bees and the Manuka bush, takes passionate dedication and respect for Mother Nature.
Local beekeepers, committed to the age-old practices of their art, place hives in areas dense in Manuka trees and far away from any potential contaminants that could hinder the quality of the honey. Then, while carefully observing the hives, they leave the honey-making process in Mother Nature’s capable hands. At harvest time, they collect the raw honey quietly, determined to disturb the bees as little as possible and leave plenty for the bees to survive the winter.
Here at Manukora, we are passionate about The Art of Ethical Beekeeping. As custodians of the harmonious relationship between bees and the Manuka tea tree, our goal is to protect the bees and preserve the Manuka tea tree, preserving all the natural goodness for future generations to come.
The Journey from Nectar to Honey
The magical transformation of the rich and complex Manuka tea tree nectar to honey is a miracle of Mother Nature herself. Carefully gathered in remote locations, far from pollutants or pesticides, raw Manuka honey tells a tale of the fertile, untouched and magnificent land it has its roots in.
Unlike typical honey, genuine Manuka honey is monofloral, made only from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree. Because of this, it contains many of the powerful biological compounds unique to the Manuka tea tree. This sets Manuka honey apart from any other honey and deservedly places it in the spotlight of the world of health and wellness.
The gentle harvesting of Manuka honey preserves the beneficial nutrients found in this liquid gold. The most distinctive compound in genuine Manuka honey is Methylglyoxal (MGO)—a powerful antimicrobial compound and the subject of many scientific studies. It also contains potent antioxidants, like Leptosperin and beneficial prebiotics that together support health and wellness. These unique nutrients also help identify genuine Manuka honey from counterfeit contenders.
The legendary Manuka honey is the result of the inseparable bond between New Zealand’s rich and diverse landscapes, the resilient Manuka tea tree that flourishes there, and a passionate commitment to preserve, sustainably harvest, and share its natural goodness with the world.
Our Manuka Honey MGO 200, a popular choice for its balance of taste and therapeutic properties. For those on the go, our MGO 850 10-Pack Stick Packets offer convenience without compromising quality.
For a truly exceptional experience, explore our Manuka Honey UMF 24 MGO1123, representing the pinnacle of our range. Dive deeper into understanding the worth of this precious nectar with our blog, Decoding Manuka Honey Price & Value. Join our community in our monthly June Sweet Talks with Manukora, where we share insights and stories behind our brand.
For guidance on selecting the perfect Manuka honey, check out our How to Choose Manuka Honey guide. Lastly, get creative in the kitchen with our Cooking Manuka Honey Tips to incorporate this unique honey into your diet.
Experience the taste and benefits of raw Manuka honey and let the pure, complex nectar—a reflection of a green, untouched environment it is derived from—become a part of your story. To find out which grade of Manuka honey suits you best, try our quiz.
