Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

Category: UMF

UMF Manuka Honey and the UMFHA

  • Where Can I Get Manuka Honey? A Comprehensive Guide

    Where Can I Get Manuka Honey? A Comprehensive Guide

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    If you’re looking to feel more energized and healthy, or you want to fight a tricky skin infection or digestive issue, there’s a lot of positive buzz brewing about manuka honey. As the fourth most Google-searched functional food last year, manuka honey has become a natural health phenomenon, right behind turmeric and apple cider vinegar. Honey seems like such a simpler, more pleasant way to get healthy. But what is it about manuka honey that makes it so popular? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of manuka honey and provide information on where you can purchase it.

    The Power of Manuka Honey

    Manuka honey isn’t just any garden variety honey. Real manuka honey only comes from New Zealand and a tiny area of Australia, where the manuka plant grows and certain high-flying mountain bees prosper. It contains a far more powerful cocktail of natural hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic methylglyoxal, and leptosperin than regular honey. These compounds give manuka honey its potent healing properties.

    Regular honey has been touted for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for centuries, but manuka honey takes it to another level. It has higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, which is known for its antibacterial properties. Additionally, methylglyoxal acts as a powerful antibiotic, while leptosperin is a unique compound found only in manuka honey.

    This amber elixir is gaining popularity for its ability to heal cuts faster with less scarring, reduce acid reflux and digestive disorders, clear up acne, and alleviate eczema. Traditional physicians and healers are also becoming believers in manuka honey’s healing potential.

    Authentic Manuka Honey: UMF vs. MGO

    When purchasing manuka honey, it’s important to look for specific certifications that ensure its authenticity. New Zealand is working to lay exclusive claim to manuka honey, despite it also being harvested in Australia. The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating system is one way to ensure you’re getting pure, uncut, New Zealand-manuka honey. It analyzes the presence of leptosperin and guarantees antibacterial activity. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the level of antibacterial properties.

    While some manuka honeys use the UMF rating system, others rely on a methylglyoxal (MGO) rating, which indicates the strength of its antibiotic enzymes. However, some critics argue that MGO can be replicated, so its presence doesn’t guarantee the authenticity of the honey.

    Where to Find Manuka Honey

    Now that we understand the benefits and certifications of manuka honey, let’s explore where you can find it. Below is a list of highly rated manuka honeys and their key features:

    • Wedderspoon Raw Premium Manuka Honey KFactor 16+: This raw, unpasteurized honey from New Zealand is Amazon’s Choice. Its KFactor grading ensures its authenticity as genuine manuka honey. Users praise its taste and health benefits, including improved digestion and immune system support. It’s perfect for adding to tea or toast. Price: $34.15 (5 percent off MSRP)
    • Comvita Manuka Honey UMF 15+: This premium manuka honey from New Zealand is independently UMF rated for its high antibacterial properties. It supports digestive health, respiratory system, and aids in the relief of coughs and sore throats. It’s also known for healing cuts, burns, and skin conditions like eczema. Price: $45.13 (5 percent off MSRP)
    • Kiva Certified Manuka Honey UMF 15+: This honey is certified to high UMF standards and is praised for its healing properties, increased energy, and improvement in digestive issues. It has a creamy texture and can be enjoyed on toast or straight from the spoon. Price: $37.99 (5 percent off MSRP)
    • Manuka Health MGO 400+ Manuka Honey: This premium New Zealand honey is guaranteed to contain a minimum of 400mg of methylglyoxal. It’s known for its healing properties and can be used topically for skin infections or consumed for immune system support. It’s also available in higher MGO ratings. Price: $44.61
    • Tahi Manuka Honey UMF15+: This sustainably raised honey is raw, unpasteurized, undamaged, and minimally filtered. It contains high levels of natural pollen and is used in hospitals and vet clinics for wound healing. Users rave about its effectiveness in treating digestive disorders and its commitment to environmental causes. Price: $69.95
    • Manuka Doctor Bio Active Honey 24+: This bio-active manuka honey is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities. It’s a natural energy source and can be consumed daily for overall health benefits. It’s also an affordable option for those looking to incorporate manuka honey into their routine. Price: $18.53 (5 percent off MSRP)
    • Happy Valley UMF 15+ Manuka Honey: This deep, rich amber honey contains high levels of special chemical markers specific to true manuka honey. Its UMF15+ rating ensures its authenticity and high antibacterial properties. Users praise it for improved digestion, relief of dry skin and throat, and enhanced immune response. Price: $42.74 (5 percent off MSRP)
    • Wild Cape UMF 15+ East Cape Manuka Honey: This ethically harvested honey from East Cape, New Zealand, is prized for its mild flavor and health-enhancing properties. It’s known for easing sore throat pain, respiratory infections, and acid reflux symptoms. It’s also reported to improve digestive issues. Price: $37.90 (5 percent off MSRP)
    • Steens Manuka Honey UMF 20+: This raw and unpasteurized honey is highly rated for its healing properties. It has a higher UMF rating, making it more effective at treating wounds and infections. Steens also offers options for specific needs, such as a honey for children. Price: $119.95

    Conclusion

    Manuka honey is a powerful and potent healer that offers a range of health benefits. Whether you’re looking for improved digestion, reduced acid reflux, healing of wounds, or enhanced immune response, manuka honey can be a natural and delicious remedy. The brands listed above are highly rated and provide authentic manuka honey with various UMF or MGO ratings. By incorporating manuka honey into your daily routine, you can experience its healing properties and overall health benefits.

    (Note: This article does not endorse any specific medical claims. Please consult with a healthcare professional before using manuka honey for any health conditions.)

  • What Is UMF in Manuka Honey?

    What Is UMF in Manuka Honey?

    Table of Contents

    Manuka honey is a popular and highly valued type of honey that is produced by bees foraging on the nectar of the Manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. It is known for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits, making it a sought-after product worldwide.

    When buying Manuka honey, it is important to understand the different factors that determine its quality and value. One such factor is the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating. In this guide, we will explore what UMF is and why it is important when purchasing Manuka honey.

    What is UMF?

    UMF is a grading system developed by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand. The UMF rating is a measure of the unique properties and quality of Manuka honey. It is based on the concentration of three key chemical markers: Methylglyoxal (MGO), leptosperin, and dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

    The UMF rating system is designed to provide consumers with a reliable way to assess the purity and potency of Manuka honey. It ensures that the honey meets certain standards and contains the beneficial compounds that give Manuka honey its unique health benefits.

    How is UMF Determined?

    To determine the UMF rating of Manuka honey, it undergoes thorough testing in a certified laboratory. The honey is tested for its MGO, leptosperin, and DHA levels. These three markers are directly related to the antibacterial and healing properties of Manuka honey.

    The higher the concentration of these markers, the higher the UMF rating of the honey. The UMF rating ranges from 5+ to 20+, with higher ratings indicating a higher concentration of beneficial compounds.

    Why is UMF Important?

    The UMF rating is important because it provides consumers with a reliable way to assess the quality and potency of Manuka honey. It ensures that the honey they are purchasing contains the beneficial compounds that make Manuka honey unique and valuable.

    Different UMF ratings are suitable for different purposes. A lower UMF rating, such as 5+ or 10+, is suitable for daily consumption and general wellness. Higher UMF ratings, such as 15+ or 20+, are recommended for specific therapeutic uses or for wound healing applications.

    Choosing the Right UMF Rating

    When buying Manuka honey, it is important to consider the UMF rating that best suits your needs. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right UMF rating:

    1. Daily Consumption: If you are buying Manuka honey for daily consumption and general wellness, a UMF rating of 5+ or 10+ is recommended. These ratings provide a good balance of health benefits and affordability.

    2. Therapeutic Use: If you are buying Manuka honey for a specific health issue or for wound healing, a higher UMF rating is recommended. Look for ratings of 15+ or 20+, as these provide a higher concentration of beneficial compounds.

    Where to Buy UMF Manuka Honey

    When buying UMF Manuka honey, it is important to choose a reputable brand that adheres to the UMFHA standards. Look for brands that display the UMF logo and have their UMF rating clearly stated on the label.

    You can purchase UMF Manuka honey from specialty stores, health food stores, or online retailers. It is important to buy from a trusted source to ensure that you are getting genuine UMF Manuka honey.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, UMF is a grading system that determines the quality and potency of Manuka honey. The UMF rating is based on the concentration of beneficial compounds such as MGO, leptosperin, and DHA. It provides consumers with a reliable way to assess the quality and value of Manuka honey.

    When buying Manuka honey, it is important to choose a UMF rating that suits your needs. Lower ratings are suitable for daily consumption, while higher ratings are recommended for therapeutic use. Be sure to buy UMF Manuka honey from reputable brands to ensure its authenticity and quality.

    References:
    – https://aboutmanukahoney.com

  • What is MGO and How Does it Relate to Active Honey?

    What is MGO and How Does it Relate to Active Honey?

    Table of Contents

    What is MGO?

    Have you ever seen a jar of honey with a number next to it? 5+, 10+, 15+? Or MGO 70+, MGO 100? Or TA 10+? Or NPA 15+? Or UMF 10+? And the higher the number the more expensive the honey? What do all these numbers mean? These numbers indicate active honey. Active honey is honey that has been tested and certified by an independent laboratory to possess antibacterial “activity.” Although manuka is the most commonly known active honey, other honeys also have antibacterial activity. Activity in honey is usually measured by a number, e.g., 5, 9, 13, 17, etc. which the testing laboratory determines in tests. Here is a sample test report:

    | Activity Grade | Rating | MGO (mg/kg) |
|----------------|--------|-------------|
| 10+            | Moderate | 100-263   |
| 15+            | Useful  | 263-514   |
| 20+            | High    | 514-829   |
| 25+            | Very high | 829-1232 |
| 30+            | Superior | 1232-1736 |

    On a honey jar label this grade is often rounded off to the nearest multiple of 5, e.g. 5+, 10+, 15+, 20+, for example:

    • The higher the number, the higher the antibacterial potency (or bacteria killing power) of the honey.
    • Honeys with an activity of below 10 are not considered to have significant antibacterial potency to kill bacteria. So you should try to avoid buying active honey which has an activity rating below 10.
    • Honeys with an activity rating of 20+ or more are considered very powerful and are usually the most expensive.
    • Genuine manuka honey with a TA of 20+ retails at up to £100 a jar.

    Types of Activity in Honey

    There are two types of activity in honey: Peroxide Activity (PA) and Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA). In manuka honey, NPA is also sometimes stated as UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) but they are exactly the same thing. Peroxide Activity is bioactivity caused by the presence of naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide in honey. Non-Peroxide Activity is bioactivity caused by the presence of other bioactive compounds in the honey.

    For example, a honey with a PA of 12 and a NPA of 7 has a Total Activity of 19 and may be labelled on a jar as TA 15+. Peroxide Activity is known to degrade with heat and time so pasteurizing, or heating honey, above 45C can kill some of its bioactivity. So you should never heat or microwave active honey. As for time, Peroxide Activity degrades very slowly over many years, which is far longer than the average time a jar of honey lasts in a kitchen.

    MGO and UMF

    MGO is short for methylglyoxal, which is another way of measuring the activity of honey, but is usually only used with manuka honey. MGO is NOT the same as the UMF value. The table below shows the equivalence. So an MGO 70+ is not better than a UMF 20+. In fact, an MGO 70+ is the lowest grade of honey with very little antibacterial properties. Some manuka retailers cleverly market their honey with their MGO value in large font because on a shop shelf most consumers will not know the difference between MGO and UMF. They will simply think that the higher number is better, and buy that, not knowing that it will hardly do anything for them.

    MGO Grade UMF Equivalent
    10+ 5+
    70+ 10+
    100+ 12+
    200+ 15+
    250+ 18+
    400+ 20+

    Benefits of Active Honey

    None really, except that manuka is more well known, a few celebrities use it and thus, much more expensive. A honey with a Total Activity of 20+ has exactly the same antibacterial activity as a Manuka honey with a Total Activity of 20+. Active honey is more expensive than other honeys because it is proven to have something that benefits you. When compared to the amount of money people spend on artificial vitamins and cosmetics to strengthen their bodies or their skin, active honey is not actually that expensive. It has no side effects when used in moderation. It can be eaten and applied on the skin. Active honey is very powerful. This is why it is more expensive than other honey. You can use active honey like any other honey but it is normally used to build a weak immune system, replenish the body after surgery or to fight infections. If using 20+ active honey, half a teaspoon dissolved in half a glass of warm water first thing in the morning is sufficient. For 10+ active honey, use a teaspoon mixed into a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. You can repeat this twice more throughout the day. Active honey can also be applied on the skin. Up to 20 minutes at a time on the face and overnight on other parts of the body. Always test an area of skin first for a short time before building up.

    Choosing Active Honey

    Surely, anyone can just add a number to a label? Simply ask the supplier that you wish to see the certificate from the laboratory which tested the activity rating of the honey you are buying. This should be in addition to your usual checks about the company you are buying from: their name, address, registration and license numbers, internet presence, etc. The Latin Honey Shop sells two laboratory certified active honeys. One is the Active Multifloral Honey 20+ TA and the other is the Active Multifloral Honey 10+ TA. Both are tastier and affordable alternatives to manuka honey.

    Please note, comments must be approved before they are published.

    https://aboutmanukahoney.com
    https://latinhoneyshop.com

  • UMF & MGO Calculator – Comparing the numbers

    UMF & MGO Calculator – Comparing the numbers

    A comparison chart to help you understand how the UMF vs MGO numbers work. These two amounts are actually linked together. If the UMF goes up, so does the MGO (Methylglyoxal).

    MGO is the chemical compound in Manuka Honey that gives it its anti-bacterial properties.

    This information from the UMFHA provides additional insights to understand this table.

    UMF™
    MGO
    MGO Rounded
    5
    83
    80+
    6
    113
    110+
    7
    146
    140+
    8
    182
    180+
    9
    222
    220+
    10
    263
    260+
    11
    308
    310+
    12
    356
    350+
    13
    406
    400+
    14
    459
    460+
    15
    514
    510+
    16
    572
    570+
    17
    633
    630+
    18
    696
    690+
    19
    761
    800+
    20
    829
    830+
    21
    899
    900+
    22
    971
    970+
    23
    1046
    1040+
    24
    1122
    1120+
    25
    1197
    1200+
    26
    1278
    +1280
    27
    1360
    1360+
    28
    1445
    1450+
    29
    1532
    1530+
    30
    1620
    1620+
    31
    1711
    1710+
    32
    1804
    1800+

    Important things to note about UMF, MGO, DHA and NPA

    UMF is a grading system that combines many different elements that are tested within Manuka Honey. It is not a single chemical marker in the honey, although it always seem to match the NPA (non-peroxide activity) level that is tested for within Manuka Honey.

    You can see our suggested list of the best manuka honey here.

    The chemical markers in Manuka Honey that have specific results relating to the UMFHA Certification are:

    • DHA
    • MG (MGO) Methylglyoxal
    • HMF
    • NPA

    It’s important to note that while NPA is listed in a Certificate of Analysis from a laboratory that tests Manuka Honey, it’s actually calculated from the methylgloxal concentration in the honey. This could also explain why UMFHA certified honey matches the NPA figure.

    So, what do the other markers tell us about Manuka Honey and can they also go on this Manuka Honey calculator?

    Well, there is less of a struct numerical correlation between each of these other markers. While they do go up and down as both UMF & MGO go up and down they don’t do it in such a linear manner. For this reason we can’t easily plot these on the rows in the calculator.

    Let’s be clear here, it’s UMF AND MGO not UMF VS MGO. The two work together, not against each other.

    But, we can still explain what they mean.

    DHA (dihydroxyacetone)

    Beekeepers and Manuka Honey exporters use DHA as an indication of how high the MGO levels in the Manuka Honey might go. A high concentration of DHA when the Manuka Honey is young helps to estimate what the corresponding MGO levels will grow to over time. There is a limit to how long this will grow but it can sometimes take years to grow to a peak level. This will depend on how the honey is stored and at what temperature amonst other factors. MGO actually originates from DHA (dihydroxyacetone).

    One of the most popular independent testing facilities in New Zealand, Analytics Laboratories, talk more on this.

    MGO (Methylglyoxal)

    MGO (sometimes referred to as just MG) is an indicator of the antibacterial levels in the honey. The higher the MGO the higher the antibacterial concentration in the honey. Note, this is concentration. e.g. You cannot take a higher volume of UMF 10+ and hope to achieve a UMF 15+ level. The tested levels in the honey are absolute and you cannot achieve higher levels through volumetric measurements.

    So, from these first two markers we can see they are connected and cannot be separated. One influences the other and both MGO and DHA will naturally decrease over time. While DHA is an indicator of how high the MGO levels will go, there is a maximum the MGO can get to and then, once it has peaked, it will slowly decrease.

    You can slow Manuka Honey’s growth and the slow decrease over time by storing it in cold environments e.g. refrigerate it.

    HMF – Hydroxymethylfurfural

    HMF is an important marker to test for in Manuka Honey because it helps to know if the honey has been artificially heated to increase the MGO levels. This is also known as ‘cooking’ the honey. If you increase the temperature of a Manuka Honey beyond normal ambient or environmental temperatures this artificially produces higher MGO levels in the Manuka Honey.

    To clarify, HMF is produced as a result of heat treatment and ageing. It does naturally occur also and because of this the CODEX recommended levels suggests a maximum amount of 40 milligrams per kilogram (40 mg/kg).

    HMF occurs if the honey is heated above 30 degrees Celsius.

    It is good to have confidence that this marker can give confidence of a natural or raw Manuka honey’s authenticity. Any of the best Manuka Honey brands we list adhere to these requirements.

    NPA

    NPA (non-peroxide activity) is the non-peroxide activity in the Manuka Honey. As previously mentioned this is a number derived from the MGO and is not tested marker. To quote the laboratory report:

    Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) values are not directly measured by the laboratory, but are calculated from the measured methylglyoxal concentration in the honey according to the requirements of the client.

    Analytica Laboratories

    In the early days NPA was the known measurement of Manuka Honey and in some countries like the UK some people still look for NPA as the numerical measure of quality.

    NPA was confusing for a lot of people so a collective came up with UMF which stood for Unique Manuka Factor. This was trademarked and the UMFHA – Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association grew in to a collective of licence paying Manuka Honey exporters who agreed to meet certain standards of their Manuka Honey by being a part of the UMFHA.

    German researchers in 2006 then discovered a connection between NPA/UMF and MGO. This connection is now why UMF numbers and NPA numbers always align. You could purchase honey with an NPA number and not worry about UMF Manuka Honey but there are other assurances you get from buying UMF labelled honey.

    These are some of the key markers that are tested for, especially in UMF Manuka Honey. There are other requirements set out by the New Zealand government or MPI – Ministry of Primary Industries, these we will cover in a different post.

  • What is UMF Manuka Honey?

    What is UMF Manuka Honey?

    UMF Manuka Honey is honey that has passed the grading and testing criteria of the UMFHA (Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association).

    A Manuka honey company must be a member of the UMFHA to be able to use the UMF grading icons on their products.

    The UMFHA is unique because it tests Manuka honey jars randomly off shelves all around the world.

    This means that if a company says they are UMF certified and their Honey is a certain UMF number that the levels of MGO in the Honey will be guaranteed to stay at that level for the best before date on the jar.

    It is important to note that honey doesn’t really go off, so a best before date is not a true indication of the honey being edible.

    Instead the honey Can be consumed, normally for many many years. It is said that opened Egyptian tombs still had edible honey after hundreds of years. Storage in darker, cooler locations will help youR Manuka honey last longer.

    While the New Zealand Government and Ministry for Primary Industries set testing standards for Manuka Honey to be approved for export, it really specifically looks at whether a Manuka Honey is a monofloral or multifloral (Manuka honey blend).

    The UMF grading system includes additional testing to ensure there are no signs of adulteration of the Manuka Honey.

    Typically, you can have more confidence in buying a UMF graded Manuka honey as the companies belonging to the association have to meet strict criteria to be members.

    The extra checks and testing, plus the international testing and checks that are performed, can give piece of mind when purchasing.