MANUKA HONEY
A Distinctive Honey with a Remarkable Floral Heritage
Mānuka Honey is a distinctive varietal honey associated with the blossoms of the mānuka plant, native to New Zealand. It is internationally recognized for its unique characteristics and for the quality systems used to authenticate and assess genuine mānuka honey.
What Is Mānuka Honey?
Mānuka Honey is produced by honeybees gathering nectar from mānuka blossoms. Genuine New Zealand mānuka honey is subject to scientific testing designed to verify its botanical origin.
Because honey's floral source can influence its aroma, flavor, color, and composition, Mānuka Honey has characteristics that distinguish it from many other varietal honeys.
What Does Mānuka Honey Taste Like?
Mānuka Honey can have a distinctive, rich flavor with noticeable floral and earthy characteristics. Its flavor can vary depending on the honey's floral source, harvest, processing, and other factors.
For consumers exploring varietal honey, Mānuka offers a very different experience from lighter, more delicate honeys such as Acacia Honey.
Understanding MGO and UMF
Two terms frequently encountered when shopping for Mānuka Honey are MGO and UMF.
MGO refers to methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound measured in mānuka honey. MGO ratings indicate the concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey.
UMF, or Unique Mānuka Factor, is a separate certification and grading system associated with authenticated mānuka honey. UMF certification evaluates specific characteristics and markers used to assess the honey.
MGO and UMF should not be treated as interchangeable terms. If a Mānuka Honey product carries an MGO or UMF rating, consumers should look for the appropriate testing, certification, and product documentation.
Why Authenticity Matters
Mānuka Honey has become a highly recognized specialty honey, making transparency and authentication especially important.
When evaluating a Mānuka Honey product, consider its stated country of origin, floral classification, batch or lot information, testing documentation, and any applicable certification.
Enjoying Mānuka Honey
- Enjoyed directly by the spoonful
- Spread on toast or bread
- Added to yogurt or oatmeal
- Paired with fruit and cheese
- Stirred into beverages
- Used in selected recipes
Explore the World of Varietal Honey
Mānuka Honey is just one example of how floral source can create a distinctive honey profile.
Compare Mānuka with Wildflower, Acacia, Clover, Buckwheat, and Orange Blossom Honey to discover the natural diversity of varietal honey.
Explore our varietal honey collection and learn what makes each floral source unique.
