What is UMF Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey is a unique and special type of honey that is highly revered by dietitians, elite athletes, and natural health consumers around the world. It has been used by the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand for centuries due to its therapeutic and medicinal abilities. But what exactly is UMF Manuka Honey, and why is it so special? In this article, we will explore the origins and qualities of UMF Manuka Honey and why its source and strict quality controls are of utmost importance.

The Source of Manuka Honey

Genuine Manuka Honey comes from the remote hills of New Zealand, where the Manuka tree grows. The Manuka flower, which blooms on this tree, produces a distinct nectar that gives Manuka Honey its unique properties. This flower has a limited crop production and is highly sensitive to seasonal weather conditions, making it a scarce and natural resource. Harvesting Manuka Honey requires immense skill, planning, and resources, with some hives even being accessible only by helicopter. Due to these factors, producing Manuka Honey is more expensive than other types of honey.

The Qualities of Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey stands out from other honeys due to its abundance of natural components. It contains amino acids, Vitamins B and C, antioxidants, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds, making it a truly remarkable product at the forefront of natural health science. Its delicious, thick texture and characteristic dark cream to dark brown color make it a sought-after honey with a distinct, complex flavor and rich aroma.

The Benefits and Uses of Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey has a range of benefits and uses that have made it increasingly popular among health-conscious individuals. Its key natural compounds have been shown to possess unique properties that support daily wellness, aid in digestive health, soothe dry and scratchy throats, provide a natural pre-workout energy boost, and even support skincare for a smooth and radiant complexion. Additionally, Manuka Honey can be used as a sweetener alternative in tea, coffee, and smoothies.

Understanding UMF Certification

UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, which is a certification system that independently verifies the presence and quality of all factors that make New Zealand Manuka Honey unique. The Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) tests and certifies every batch of UMF Manuka Honey for four key factors that contribute to its quality. The UMF rating found on each jar of authentic Manuka Honey ensures that consumers can confidently choose honey that meets their needs.

The Importance of UMF Certification

Not all Manuka Honey is UMF rated. Only honey that has been independently tested and verified by UMFHA receives a UMF rating. Comvita, a trusted global leader in Manuka Honey, offers UMF-certified honey with a range of strengths from 5+ to 20+. The higher the UMF level, the higher the concentration of beneficial compounds in the honey. Comvita’s rigorous standards and in-house testing lab ensure that every batch of their Manuka Honey is pure and of the highest quality.

Why Choose Comvita for UMF Manuka Honey

With so many brands and confusing labeling in the market, it can be challenging to find genuine Manuka Honey. However, Comvita is a brand that can be trusted for authentic, New Zealand Manuka Honey. Their honey is UMF graded by the rating system backed by the New Zealand government, ensuring its quality and potency. Comvita traces every drop of their honey from hive to shelf, and their commitment to nature and sustainability is evident in their practices. They plant native trees for every jar of Manuka Honey sold and work towards saving bees and creating a circular and carbon-neutral honey business.

Finding Genuine Manuka Honey

To ensure that you are getting genuine Manuka Honey, there are a few things to look out for:

1. The honey should come from New Zealand, just as real Champagne comes from France. New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries sets standards for what can be exported as “Manuka Honey.”
2. The honey should be labeled as either Monofloral (predominantly from the Manuka flower) or Multifloral (a blend of Manuka and other New Zealand wildflowers). Both types should clearly state the MGO level.
3. Look for UMF independent certification on the honey jar, as this guarantees specific levels of Manuka’s four key compounds.
4. Choose a brand that has its own beekeeping operation and practices sustainable and regenerative harvesting. It is also important to support brands that have equitable partnerships with beekeepers and New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people, who have valued the benefits of the Manuka flower for centuries.

In conclusion, UMF Manuka Honey is a unique and highly beneficial product that offers a range of health benefits. Its source and strict quality controls ensure that consumers are getting the best and most authentic Manuka Honey available. By choosing brands like Comvita, individuals can enjoy the delicious taste and numerous health properties of this remarkable gift from Mother Nature.