Manuka honey is a rare and special type of honey that comes exclusively from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree in New Zealand. Its unique properties and benefits set it apart from regular honey.
- Manuka honey is produced only in New Zealand from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree.
- Authentic Manuka honey contains unique compounds like MGO and Leptosperin.
- Manuka honey offers potential benefits for immunity, digestion, and overall wellness.
- Manuka honey differs from regular honey in being raw, ethically harvested, and monofloral.
- Proper authentication and ethical sourcing are key to ensuring genuine Mānuka honey.
Manuka Honey vs. Regular Honey
| Manuka Honey | Regular Honey |
| Comes only from the Mānuka tea tree in NZ | Can come from various floral sources |
| Contains unique compounds like MGO, Leptosperin | Lacks Manuka-specific compounds |
| Raw, unpasteurized, minimally processed | Often pasteurized and highly processed |
| Ethically harvested with care for bees | Mass-produced, bees fed sugar water |
| Monofloral—only from Manuka nectar | Can be blended from multiple nectars |
What Makes Manuka Honey Different from Regular Honey?
Manuka honey is a rare, special honey that comes exclusively from the Mānuka tea tree in New Zealand. It contains unique compounds like MGO and Leptosperin not found in other honey.
Manuka is raw, ethically harvested, and monofloral, unlike regular honey which is often heavily processed and can come from various floral sources. These special properties give Manuka honey its distinctive taste, texture, and potential wellness benefits.
Executive Summary:
- Manuka honey is a special type of honey that derives solely from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree.
- Authentic Manuka honey contains specific nutrients unique to the Manuka tea tree.
- The nutrients in Manuka honey support immunity, digestion, and overall wellness.
Dive Into the World of Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is far from a new commodity, but as it gains popularity, you may have questions. What is Manuka honey, and how is it different from regular honey?
If you’ve seen Manuka honey before, you may have noticed its darker-than-normal color or its creamier-than-usual texture. The sweet, rich, and velvety flavors of this super honey set it apart from other honey varieties.
So, what is it about Manuka honey that makes it so delicious? What’s the story behind its traditional uses, and what exactly makes it special?
At Manukora, we know Manuka inside and out, and we’re happy to introduce you to Manuka honey, discuss what sets it apart, and share its benefits. So, let's get to it.
What Is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is a special type of honey that can only be produced in New Zealand from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium, also called the New Zealand tea tree or the Manuka tea tree.
The Manuka tea tree responsible for this delicious nectar only blossoms for two to six weeks during the summer, and it thrives in the specific climate of New Zealand’s remote forests. This limited blooming period makes Manuka honey a precious indulgence.
The highest quality Manuka honey comes from what beekeepers call "The Golden Triangle" of New Zealand. The triangle spans from Taranaki on the West Coast, across to the wild East Cape, and to the top of the North Island in Northland.
At Manukora, our Manuka honey is ethically produced, raw, unpasteurized, and fully traceable through every step of the process. Our commitment to ethical beekeeping allows the honey-making process to take place with minimal human intervention. We believe in working with Mother Nature, not against her—and our honey is better for it.
How Do I Know If My Manuka Honey Is Authentic?
To experience the true benefits of Manuka honey, it must be authentic, which means it must be from New Zealand. There are certain naturally occurring nutrients and unique markers that must be present to verify the authenticity of genuine Manuka honey, such as MGO and Leptosperin.
MGO (Methylglyoxal)
One of the most important compounds in your Manuka honey is Methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is an organic nutrient that comes directly from the Manuka tea tree. Each batch of Manukora Manuka honey is tested and given an MGO rating, which indicates your honey's strength.
Higher-grade Manuka honey will have a taste and texture like no other honey you've had before. You can expect it to be dark, sweet, thick, and creamy—similar to caramel but with a more complex flavor profile.
Leptosperin
Leptosperin is an active phytochemical in Manuka honey; it contributes to its antioxidant properties. Leptosperin is unique to Manuka honey, adding to its distinctive and rare nature. All authentic Manuka honey contains detectable levels of Leptosperin.
MPI Grading
The New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has set strict guidelines to authenticate Mānuka honey. Only MPI-approved laboratories can test and confirm the honey's authenticity. If your Manuka honey is MPI certified, you know it's genuine.
You can even check for yourself by scanning the unique QR code on each Manukora honey product. This code will provide a detailed history of your honey’s production process, including the exact hive your honey came from and its breakdown of beneficial compounds.
What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?
For anyone who has tasted Manuka honey, there's no argument that it has a distinct, delectable taste. But is it as beneficial as everyone says?
Absolutely—the beneficial effects of Manuka honey come from the unique nutrients the Manuka tea tree has to offer. Manuka honey is a rare gift from Mother Nature, and with a history as rich as its flavor, it can support almost any lifestyle and routine.
Natural Energy Source
A spoonful of Manuka honey can help kickstart your morning and fuel you with natural energy thanks to its natural sugar content. It's an attractive substitute for regular table sugar.
Whether it’s to sweeten your morning coffee or add richness to your evening tea, Manuka not only brings a rich, sweet flavor profile but also a host of beneficial nutrients.
Supports Digestive Health
Manuka honey contains prebiotic oligosaccharides and additional nutrients that support gut health. These nutrients are also found in other plants like onion, chicory, garlic, asparagus, banana, and artichoke. Incorporating Manuka into your daily routine is a delicious way to support your digestive system.
Promotes Immune Function
Manuka honey provides natural immune support thanks to specific nutrients and the high levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO) that come from Manuka nectar. This naturally cleansing nutrient promotes a healthy immune response and is most beneficial at a minimum of 600+ MGO Manuka.
Environmentally Friendly Choice
With ethical beekeeping as our guiding philosophy, you can trust that each batch of Manukora Manuka honey is made with respect and care for our bees and the Earth. Consuming all-natural products free of unnecessary additives supports your overall well-being and that of the planet.
At Manukora, we never use pesticides, antibiotics, or sprays in our beekeeping methods. All our honey products are non-GMO project-certified, residue-free certified, antibiotic-free, raw, and unpasteurized—always.
Why Is Manuka Honey Good for You?
Beyond its rarity and ethical production, Manuka honey contains nutrients that support overall wellness. Let's take a closer look at some of these incredible benefits.
MGO's Natural Properties
Unlike other types of honey, Manuka has high levels of MGO, an organic nutrient that supports the immune system. This naturally occurring compound helps you stay in top shape.
Natural Prebiotics
Mānuka honey is rich in natural prebiotics that support gut health and your digestive system. Incorporating Manuka into your daily routine can be a delicious way to maintain digestive wellness.
Antioxidants
Manuka honey contains naturally occurring antioxidants that help combat environmental stressors. Because Manukora's Manuka honey isn't processed or pasteurized, it retains these antioxidants to support your well-being.
Naturally Soothing
Manuka honey is packed with nutrients that have natural soothing properties. Keeping high MGO-level Manuka honey in your cabinet is a great idea when you want to support your wellness.
How Is Manuka Honey Different From Regular Honey?
Manuka honey is a rare commodity full of delicious, natural goodness, but isn't all honey like that? Not necessarily—not all honey is created equal.
It's Raw
Natural, unpasteurized, raw honey offers beneficial nutrients alongside its sweet taste. However, most commercially produced honey is far from raw or unpasteurized. Honey doesn't need pasteurization by default; the bees know what they're doing. It's best for the bees (and the honey) not to rush the process.
Commercial honey often undergoes pasteurization, a rigorous heating method that dehydrates honey and gives it a uniform texture and consistency—traits ideal for a shelf-stable grocery commodity.
It's Ethically Harvested
At Manukora, we remove the honey at the right time and ensure we leave plenty for the bees to survive the winter. Many commercial honey manufacturers take all the honey and substitute it with sugar water or high fructose corn syrup, but we believe bees deserve better.
It's Monofloral
Manuka honey is 100% monofloral, produced solely from the nectar of Manuka flowers. Although our bees sometimes visit other plants, we test each batch to ensure authenticity and purity.
Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive?
Manuka honey is not only indulgently delicious but also contains nutrients that support health in various ways. This sweet nectar isn't like highly processed commercial honey, which is why you won't find it for just a few dollars in the grocery store.
What Makes Manuka Honey So Expensive?
Once we understand how beneficial Manuka honey can be, we might be willing to invest in it. Aside from its unique flavor and indulgent texture, Manuka honey contains nutrients that offer natural cleansing properties and support overall wellness.
Here are a few characteristics that make Manukora Manuka honey ultra-special:
- Raw and unpasteurized
- Non-GMO project certified
- Glyphosate residue-free certified
- Antibiotic-free
- Ethically produced
- MGO certified
- Monofloral
- Traceable to the source through a unique QR code
- From the Golden Triangle of New Zealand
These traits contribute to a higher cost for an ultimately higher-quality and more satisfying type of honey.
What Makes Manuka Honey Rare?
Manuka honey is much rarer than regular store-bought honey for several reasons. The Manuka tea tree blossoms for only two to six weeks during the summer, limiting the production window. Additionally, ensuring authentic Manuka honey requires extensive testing and classification processes.
While any genuine Manuka honey must come from New Zealand, the highest quality comes from a remote part of the forest called the Golden Triangle. When your Mānuka honey comes from this area, you know you’re getting the best of the best.
The Bottom Line
Manuka honey is a rare honey variety that comes from a specific region of New Zealand, derived from a seasonally limited resource since Manuka tea trees blossom for about six weeks per year at most.
Rich in natural beneficial nutrients, Manuka honey is not only a one-of-a-kind sensory experience but also a healthy indulgence that can fit into any routine.
The unique richness of Manuka honey, such as our Manuka Honey MGO 600+ Starter Kit, is a prime example of natural indulgence combined with wellness support. Our products are crafted with exceptional quality and a commitment to ethical and sustainable production.
At Manukora, we’re proud to say that our Manuka honey is ethically and sustainably produced—we believe happy bees make for the best honey, and that the planet deserves all we can give her in exchange for the goodness she provides.
With a taste and texture like no other, what are you waiting for?
Explore Manukora’s wide selection of authentic New Zealand Manuka honey here.
FAQs
Why is Manuka honey more expensive than regular honey?
Manuka honey is derived from the nectar of the Manuka tea tree, which blossoms for only two to six weeks during the summer and is limited to the specific climate of New Zealand's remote forests. This limited supply, combined with the unique benefits and authenticity verification processes, makes Manuka honey more pricey than regular honey.
How should I store my Manuka honey to retain its properties?
For best results, store Manuka honey in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent moisture and other contaminants.
Is it safe for children and pregnant women to consume Manuka honey?
As with any honey, it's generally recommended not to give honey to infants under 12 months because of the risk of botulism. Pregnant women can safely consume Manuka honey, but it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns or specific health conditions.
