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Mānuka's Superpowers

July 17, 2023

7 Lesser-Known Facts About Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is a unique and impressive natural product. Discover these 7 lesser-known Manuka honey facts and learn more about its benefits.

Last updated: January 7, 2026

Table of Contents

Author

Michael Bell

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Executive Summary:

Manuka honey derives from the Manuka tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium), native to New Zealand and that only blooms between two to six weeks per year.
MGO, or methylglyoxal, is a key compound in Manuka honey, and along with markers like DHA and leptosperin, helps define its unique profile.
Manuka honey can support everyday wellness when enjoyed consistently as part of a balanced lifestyle.
This delightful and delicious golden liquid can be enjoyed in many different ways, such as eating it by the spoonful or drizzled on toast.
Manuka honey has a naturally long shelf life when stored well, thanks in part to its low moisture and naturally occurring antibacterial activity.

Manuka Honey Facts: 7 Lesser-Known Truths

Sweet, tasty, all-natural, and capable of supporting your overall health, Manuka honey is a true unicorn of honey variants. Pure Manuka honey is delicious on its own and a great addition to a variety of foods, and when produced using high-quality practices, this product is unlike any other.

Part of what makes Manuka honey so special is how rare it is. The Manuka tea tree only flowers for a short season each year, and many of these trees grow in remote regions of New Zealand. Bees have a limited window to collect nectar from the blossoms, which means every jar of genuine Manuka honey represents a lot of careful timing and hard work in nature.

From the unique, creamy caramel texture of Manuka honey to its special naturally occurring compounds like MGO, there are many reasons why you may want to make this honey part of your everyday routine. So, let us take a closer look.

Surprising Facts About Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is more than just a sweet treat, it has plenty of surprising qualities that make it superior to any other honey. Below, we look closer at seven Manuka honey facts that will leave you searching for the nearest jar you can get your hands on!

Fact 1: Manuka honey has a unique origin.

Manuka honey comes from the Manuka tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which grows naturally across parts of New Zealand. These trees bloom for a short period each year, usually only two to six weeks, and each flower stays open for a very limited time. Because the season is so brief, bees have a small window to collect the nectar needed to create authentic Manuka honey.

Many Manuka tea trees also grow in remote regions where weather conditions can shift quickly. A windy or rainy day can keep bees from foraging, which means every jar reflects a mix of timing, climate, and natural luck during the bloom.

The highest quality Manuka honey comes from areas with dense Manuka growth, such as New Zealand’s well known Golden Triangle. When Manuka honey is collected from these regions and handled with care, the result is a smooth, richly flavored honey with a clear and traceable origin.

For example, each jar of Manukora honey comes with a unique code that lets you see exactly where your batch was harvested. This helps ensure you receive authentic, raw Manuka honey from trusted beekeepers who follow careful and responsible practices.

Fact 2: Manuka honey contains key natural compounds like MGO

If you have not heard of methylglyoxal, often called MGO, it is the compound that helps set Manuka honey apart from other types of honey.

MGO forms naturally over time from a substance in the Manuka flower called DHA. As the honey matures in the hive, DHA gradually converts into MGO, which is why MGO is used around the world as a clear way to measure the strength of genuine Manuka honey.

Along with MGO, researchers also look at other natural markers such as leptosperin. These markers help confirm authenticity, quality, and the unique profile that Manuka honey is known for. They also reflect the environment the bees foraged in, the seasonal conditions during bloom, and the care taken during harvesting.

While each compound plays its own role in the honey’s character, together they help explain why Manuka honey has become so well known and valued by people who enjoy its taste, texture, and wellness-supporting properties.

Fact 3: MGO rating is the key to Manuka honey’s strength.

Not all Manuka honey is the same, and the easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the honey’s MGO rating. The MGO number on a label shows the amount of methylglyoxal found in that batch of honey, which develops naturally as the honey matures. A higher number means a higher concentration of this compound, giving you a simple way to compare different types of Manuka honey.

Because MGO levels differ depending on the region, season, and bloom conditions, every batch is unique. This is why reputable producers rely on independent laboratory testing to verify MGO levels and confirm authenticity.

At Manukora, we offer Manuka honey ranging from MGO 600+ to MGO 1000+. Each batch is carefully tested, and you can view the results by scanning the QR code on your jar. This makes it easy to choose the strength that fits your lifestyle and gives you confidence in the quality of the honey you enjoy.

Fact 4: Manuka honey can support everyday wellness

Manuka honey contains naturally occurring compounds that can support a healthy lifestyle. These include MGO, antioxidants, and a range of other components that develop as the honey matures. When enjoyed consistently, Manuka honey can play a role in supporting normal wellness functions in the body.

Many people enjoy Manuka honey because it can support:

A normal, high functioning immune system
Healthy digestion and overall gut balance
Steady, natural energy throughout the day

These areas of support come from the honey’s natural profile rather than any single compound. While research continues to explore how different markers contribute to its qualities, Manuka honey remains a popular choice for those looking to add something simple, natural, and enjoyable to their routine.

Fact 5: There are many ways to enjoy Manuka honey.

You may run to try Manuka honey for its impressive sweet, caramel-like taste will keep you coming back for more. This type of honey has a creamy texture with a rich flavor, making it a sensory experience unlike any typical honey.

Here are a few simple ways to add it to your routine:

Enjoy a spoonful on its own.
Stir it into tea, coffee, or warm drinks once they have cooled for 30 to 60 seconds.
Drizzle it over toast, fruit, or peanut butter.
Add a small amount to yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies.
Use it as a natural finishing touch on your favorite treats.

There is no single right way to enjoy Manuka honey. Choose the moments that feel natural and bring you the most joy.

The only thing to avoid is exposing it to high heat, such as baking or grilling, since heat can affect its natural qualities and flavor.

Fact 6: Manuka honey has a long shelf-life.

One of the most convenient qualities of Manuka honey is how well it keeps over time. Its low moisture content and naturally occurring stability help protect its flavor and quality for years when stored properly.

At Manukora, our honey carries a five year “best before” date. This reflects regulations rather than the actual lifespan of the honey, since honey has been known to stay enjoyable far beyond that when handled with care. Most people finish their jar long before the date arrives.

To keep your honey at its best, store the jar at room temperature, keep it tightly sealed, and use a clean spoon each time you dip into it.

A range between 67 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit works well for maintaining its smooth texture and rich taste.

Fact 7: Manuka honey and Ethical Beekeeping go hand-in-hand.

As with any form of honey, bees are a vital part of producing rich and tasty Manuka honey. However, not all Manuka honey is produced the same way. To create pure Manuka honey, bees only collect nectar and pollen from the Manuka tea tree flower.

A foundational pillar for us at Manukora is to care for the bees and elevate the standards of beekeeping. This includes placing hives in clean, natural environments, avoiding harmful chemicals, and supporting the long term health of the colonies. Many of the areas where our bees forage are remote and untouched, giving them access to thriving Manuka tea trees and a safe space to work.

Ethical beekeeping is not only about producing great honey. It is also about respecting the natural cycles of the bees, protecting their habitats, and honoring the connection between people, nature, and the food we enjoy.

Experience Manuka Honey in Your Own Routine

Learning more about what makes Manuka honey unique is often the first step to appreciating just how special it is.

Many people enjoy adding Manuka honey to their day for the simple pleasure it brings, whether that is a spoonful in the morning, a drizzle over a favorite snack, or a gentle addition to tea once it has cooled.

Choosing a grade that fits your lifestyle can make the experience even more enjoyable. Our MGO 600+, 850+, and 1000+ honeys each offer their own rich depth of flavor and are harvested with care in some of New Zealand’s most remote regions.

At Manukora, we follow careful practices that honor the bees, the land, and the traditions of ethical beekeeping. Each jar is traceable through a unique code that lets you explore the story behind your honey, from the region it came from to the people who helped bring it to your home.

If you are curious to explore which Manukora honey suits you best, our short quiz can help guide you. Explore our complete collection of Manuka honey and experience all the benefits of a Honey With Superpowers™ for yourself.