Honey is one of the most commonly used food items here for a long time. With people discovering the benefits of consuming Honey daily, Manuka Honey is catching the most attention. Do you know what Manuka honey is and why it is so expensive? Let’s read further and know everything. 

Manuka honey is a variety of honey produced from a plant species called Manuka bush. The specialty of this honey is that these plant species are only found in New Zealand and Australia, making it rare and expensive. Manuka honey has very therapeutic qualities, and the composition differs from regular honey. 

When discussing the flavors, Manuka honey has an earthy and intense flavor with a decent bitterness, which is likable. Manuka honey has a thick structure compared to regular honey because of naturally occurring sugars in the plant nectar. 

An effective grading system is followed to ensure that this variety of honey is of the best quality. This process allows people to take advantage of the honey’s intense flavor and therapeutic nature. That is not all. There is much to know about Manuka honey, which we shall do in the following conversation. 

What Is Manuka Honey & Where Does It Come From?

Manuka honey is a unique variety of honey produced by bees from a notable plant species. The bees pollinate from the flower Leptospermum Scoparium, which is also called Manuka Bush. 

It is essential to note that the Manuka bush is only found in some places. They are native to New Zealand and are also found in Australia. 

Manuka honey is unique because of a chemical component present known as methylglyoxal. This chemical component is responsible for the therapeutic qualities in Manuka honey that distinguish it from the regular type of honey. 

From flavors to texture, everything is extraordinary about Manuka Honey. You can find a very earthy flavor with some subtle notes of bitterness. The texture is also thicker in consistency than regular honey. Moreover, Manuka honey has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.

How Is Manuka Honey Made?

Manuka honey is produced by the bees that gather nectar from Manuka bush flowers. These flowers are found explicitly in New Zealand and Australia and have enzymes that transform the nectar into fructose and glucose.

Like regular bees, these converted enzymes are stored in the honeycombs, which then break the sugar into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Then, for the better preservation of the concentrated fluid, bees fan using their wings. The liquid gradually evaporates the moisture, which is later sealed with wax to avoid contaminating pollutants. 

This whole process is responsible for producing Manuka honey, which is different, unique, and versatile. And the complete process is very complicated yet beautiful. 

What Is The Difference Between Manuka And Regular Honey?

There are significant differences between Manuka and regular honey. They have different flavors, notes, textures, and flowers from where the nectar is sucked. Let us see a clear differentiation between the both. 

What Is Manuka Honey Good For?

Manuka honey not only has a unique flavor but has some health benefits that are not found in regular honey. Manuka honey has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that are very beneficial.

1. Heal Wounds 

As we already know, Manuka honey has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is known for healing deep wounds. Manuka honey keeps the wounded area moist, which fastens the healing process. One can also use Manuka honey in burns to reduce the pain. 

2. Better Bowel System 

Manuka honey reduces irritable bowel syndrome because of its anti-inflammatory properties. If you are suffering from any symptoms of IBS, like constipation or diarrhea, Mauka honey can be very effective. 

3. Improves Respiratory Related Issues

Many times, due to the formation of mucus in the lungs, people find it difficult to breathe. Mucus blocks the airways, which generally happens in Cystic fibrosis – a respiratory disorder. Manuka honey helps control the growth of the bacteria responsible for such conditions. 

4. Stomach Ulcers 

Due to some food items, there are sores in the lining of the stomach, which cause pain and bloating in the stomach. Manuka honey has antibacterial properties that work against the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. 

5. Great In Chemotherapy 

Manuka honey is great for avoiding any side effects because of chemotherapy. Due to the chemotherapy, there can be an inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. The consumption of Manuka honey controls the growth of the bacteria, which results in mucositis. 

6. Cures Cough 

We all know that honey is excellent for cough. Manuka honey has been proven to have exceptional medicinal properties, especially in coughs. They are also great for the cough in children and help you recover from a lousy throat due to a cold. 

7. Works In Allergies 

Manuka honey has excellent antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it perfect for fighting any allergy. From runny nose to cold can be very irritating. With the consumption of Manuka honey, one can be relieved from such seasonal allergies. 

Let us also look at the Nutritional content of Manuka honey (20 g) and see what else you consume regarding nutrients. 

Are There Any Side Effects Of Manuka Honey?

Although Hanuka honey is very beneficial, there are many possible side effects. There can be allergies due to some components present in the product. Consuming Manuka honey can impair the healing process. Increased blood sugar levels and bacterial infections are some of the side effects. 

As per the National Library Of Medicine, manuka honey contains high levels of MG, which may put patients with diabetes at risk due to either the direct negative effect of MG on cells and components in the wound or the indirect formation of AGEs, which could impair the wound-healing process.

If someone is allergic to bees, then consumption of Manuka honey can be dangerous. Manuka honey also increases blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should avoid it at any cost. Also, Manuka honey can lead to obesity if regularly consumed in more significant quantities. 

Manuka honey is also not advised for kids, especially those under 15 months. Consumption of Manuka honey by infants can cause bacterial infections such as botulism. 

Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive?

Without any doubt, Manuka honey is supposed to be expensive. The simple reason is – its availability. As we have already learned, Manuka honey is produced by a particular plant species, Manuka bush, only found in New Zealand and Australia. 

Manuka honey is produced and then verified by the UMF association to assess the quality and excellence of Manuka honey. The UMF association stamp is a must. The approved Manuka honey is the only one that is entirely reliable. The GMO content also makes it more premium; the higher the GMO, the better the quality. This whole thing makes Manuka honey premium and expensive. 

Also, producing Mnauka honey is not only extracting the honey from the bee hives, but the producers also need to take care of the bees. Every producer of Manuka honey must engage in unstable farming practices to safeguard the health and wellness of bees and the environment. Therefore, this variety of honey is scarce, which results in high cost. 

Where To Buy Quality Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is tough to find as there are many places where you may need help finding authentic honey. Therefore, the best way to find pure Manuka honey is to look for UMF association stamps. If you are looking for the best brands for Manuka honey that are UMF verified, look no further, as I have the best place where the quality is well assured. 

1. Comvita

Comvita helps get Manuka honey at your doorstep, even if you are not in New Zealand. Select the local store based on location and shop for raw and authentic Manuka honey. 

The best thing is that Comvita provides UMF-verified Manuka honey, which means the quality is not compromised. Manuka honey by Comvita is gluten-free, too. Besides being gluten-free, the jars of Manuka honey by Comvita are BPA-free.

You can grab great discounts and offers with Comvita on Manuka honey. If you are still hesitant, you can check out the customer reviews, and I am sure all the ifs and buts will be cleared. 

2. Natural Collection 

Natural Collection is one of the most trusted Manuka honey suppliers. Natural Collection collects the Manuka honey from Maori tribal lands on the East Cape of New Zealand’s North Island. Now, this location itself is prevalent for authentic Manuka honey. 

The UMF association also approves the Manuka honey produced in this region. This location’s beauty is unmatched, which is why you get the best Manuka honey from here. 

Natural Collection does not only provide Manuka honey but also deals in various products. They have a wide range of skincare products, including Manuka honey premium skin care. 

3. Laperva 

We know that the best quality Manuka honey has a high concentration of MGO, and Laperva is one of those brands that has this same quality. There are no artificial flavors, and it is entirely vegetarian. 

The presence of MGO makes Manuka honey the most potent antibiotic for treating many diseases. The quality is also well assured with the UMF association stamp. 

Laperva also deals in other products like supplements and healthy snacks. They are aimed at keeping people in shape and fit. They provide excellent quality health products, and Manuka honey is one of them. 

4. Waireka Honey

Whether you want Manuka honey from stores or order online, Waireka Honey is at your service. They are one of the premium suppliers of New Zealand honey products. They have UMF association-approved Manuka honey that you can order online. 

Apart from good quality Manuka honey, Waireka Honey also offers skin care products with Manuka honey as an ingredient. They are so much more than just honey. You can get bee-keeping equipment, wellness products, sweets, and novelties. 

They also have a fantastic collection of honey meads, liqueurs, and fruit wines. Gift great products from Waireka Honey, and you can be assured of quality. 

5. NutriHub 

NutriHub is a well-being products brand that is committed to the development of cutting-edge health products and food. All the products are designed and produced in New Zealand. Now, this information is essential in terms of Manuka honey. 

NutriHub also supplies Manuka honey, which is authentic and UMF association stamp-approved. You can be 100% of the quality and taste and enjoy all the health benefits of Manuka honey. 

If you are looking for some supplements for your health issues, then NutriHub is the right place. Visit the website and explore the world of supplements and wellness products. 

6. Kaimai Gold

Since 1998, Kamai Gold has provided UMF-verified Manuka honey from the Kaimai Ranges. The best thing about Kaimai Gold is that they support local beekeepers and are motivated to take care of bees by nurturing their natural environment. 

They deal in the finest Manuka honey products with MGO components ranging from MGO 85+ (UMF 5+) to MGO 1200+ (UMF 25+). If you want to try Manuka honey by Kaimai Gold, you can also order a sachet pack. 

The honey is produced in New Zealand and then approved by the UMF association. Kaimai Gold ensures that Manuka’s quality is not compromised at any stage, from production to packaging. 

7. Golden Hive 

Golden Hive follows a modern and advanced processing facility to produce a wide range of New Zealand honey. Even though the operation is very current, they focus on sustainable honey manufacturing without affecting nature. 

New Zealand magical honey, aka Manuka honey by Golden Hive, processes excellent quality, which you can easily order at your doorstep. They are one of the best players in their market. Around 500 tons of honey is produced by Golden Hive every year. 

You can even get some fusion honey like Manuka honey with ginger or Manuka honey with pollen. They are also a member of the UMF association, which means you don’t have to worry about the quality of the honey. 

8. Aoraki Peak

Aoraki is the highest mountain peak in New Zealand, and similarly, Aoraki Peak upholds one of the highest standards of Manuka honey. Qualified by the UMF Association on the quality of Manuka honey, you can easily get their product at your doorstep.

Visit their website and shop online for Manuka honey. They have raw, unpasteurized, non-GMO project-verified Manuka Honey. The best thing about Aoraki Peak is that you can get mixed-flavored honey that is super delicious and healthy. 

Sign up for their newsletter and stay updated on every discount and offer on their product. You can also participate in a monthly draw to WIN a 500g jar of Aoraki Peak UMF 5+ Manuka Honey. 

Why Does UMF Association Stamp of Approval Matter While Choosing Manuka Honey?

UMF – Unique Manuka Factor is a quality assurance system for Manuka honey in New Zealand. As we all know, Manuka honey goes through a very different grading system that analyzes the quality of the honey. The UMF quality system is the most comprehensive, independently certified, and internationally recognized.  

If the Manuka honey has the UMF approval stamp, then the quality, genuineness, and excellence of Manuka honey are well assured. UMF validates the quality by checking the potency, authenticity, purity, shelf life, and freshness of Manuka honey. 

These evaluation and quality check is done religiously by UMF, which means any Manuka honey that bears the approval is 100% authentic and filled with health benefits. Certain quality factors like MGO for potency, Leptosperin for authenticity, DHA for shelf life, and HMF for freshness in Manuka honey are evaluated in the UMF quality system. The presence of these components verifies the quality of Manuka honey. 

So, if you are looking for Manuka honey, then look for the UMF association stamp, as it will ensure the honey quality is pure and authentic. If the seal needs to be included, avoid buying it and look for one with the approval stamp. 

Conclusion 

Manuka honey is a unique variety of honey, and as it is scarce to find, it becomes more desirable. With many health benefits and differences in flavors and texture, Manuka honey stands out from regular honey. If you can try this unique variety of Manuka honey, take advantage of the opportunity. I hope that you enjoy the intense, earthy, and bitter notes of Manuka honey. 

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