Manuka Honey is becoming increasingly revered by naturopaths, dietitians, elite athletes and natural health consumers around the world, following in the footsteps of the indigenous Māori people who have used Manuka for its therapeutic and medicinal abilities for centuries. For 45 years we’ve been perfecting our beekeeping craft, sourcing Manuka Honey from the remote hills of New Zealand. Manuka’s key natural compounds have shown to possess antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Nature’s most powerful honey’s is most used for:
Manuka Honey, when sterilized, is also being used for wound healing in hospitals and clinics around the world.
Since Manuka Honey can only be produced in areas abundant with native Manuka blossoms, many of our hives are located in some of the most remote parts of New Zealand, accessible only by helicopter and hike-in. Given its short flowering season –– only 2-6 weeks out of the entire year –– it takes immense skill, planning, and resources to harvest Manuka Honey, which is why we never take a single, precious drop for granted. Learn about our beekeeping & sustainability practices here.
UMF™ is the gold standard in Manuka ratings and is backed by the New Zealand government for its verification of quality and potency. Here’s a simple guide of how to tell the difference between verifiable quality and marketing hype - get to know Real Manuka Honey.
There are a variety of grading systems and distinctions that exist in the marketplace today, but the most important seal to look for is UMF™, a quality trademark identifying natural, unadulterated Manuka Honey. The number represents three unique signature compounds which ensure purity and quality:
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the compound chiefly responsible for the antibacterial property of Manuka Honey and forms the basis of the UMF™ grading system.
Leptosperin is found in the nectar of Manuka flowers and is the most discerning characteristic to distinguish Manuka Honey from other honey types.
Hydroxymethylfurfural is also found in the nectar of Manuka flowers and converts into MGO once the bees gather the nectar and turn it into honey.