These days, food fads come and go faster than the blink of an eye, but there’s one ‘superfood’ that has held ground over the last few years, Manuka honey.
While honey has long been hailed for its widespread health benefits, the Manuka variety has been touted the ‘healing honey’ as it has traditionally been used to treat wounds, sore throats and even digestive issues.
But what makes Manuka honey so unique? And how is it different to regular honey? We found out.
Manuka honey comes exclusively from the Manuka plant
Manuka honey is made from the nectar of the Manuka plant, which bees collect and transform into the honey variety.
Native to New Zealand, the Manuka tree is uniquely adapted to thrive in New Zealand’s challenging natural environment and acts as a natural protector of the land. Manuka has a long history as a medicinal plant and was traditionally used by the New Zealand Maori people as a remedy.
Manuka honey is incredibly rare — it’s only made in New Zealand and can only be made for a few weeks of the year when the Manuka plant is in flower.
Manuka honey has a different flavour profile
When you think about honey you probably imagine a sticky yet runny liquid that is golden in colour and sweet in taste. While that is true of regular honey found commonly in the supermarket, Manuka honey has a very different flavour and texture.
Aside from its sweetness, Manuka honey has a delicious rich bitter-sweet flavour and a smooth, creamy, velvety texture. It is also a lot thicker and like a good wine, Manuka honey also grows in flavour and richness over time.
The unique flavour profile of Manuka honey is best celebrated in a nice cup of tea.
(Image: Manuka Health)There is a secret ingredient that sets Manuka honey apart from others
Unlike other regular honeys, Manuka varieties contains a compound called methylglyoxal, or MGO for short. Research partners of Manuka honey brand, Manuka Health identified MGO as the magic ingredient in Manuka honey, a discovery long sought after in the science world.
It is this active ingredient that is responsible for Manuka honey’s unique properties.
However, not all Manuka honey is created equal and MGO levels can vary greatly from honey to honey. Tested and certified for natural MGO content, Manuka Health have a range of MGO certified honey’s that rank from low to high, so you know how much MGO is in every jar.
Manuka Health’s Manuka honey are all labelled according to their MGO quantity.
(Image: Manuka Health)Certain Manuka honey brands take an ethical approach to creation
Bees are not only responsible for creating delicious types of honey, they play an incredibly important role in the world’s ecosystem. For this reason, there has been a push for more sustainable methods of beekeeping.
Committed to creating sustainable honeys, one of New Zealand’s largest Manuka honey brands, Manuka Health work with landowners and beekeepers to make sure their bees are nourished, nurtured and protected all year round. This commitment includes hive health, nutrition programs and a promise to not using antibiotics in their hives.
Brought to you by Manuka Health
