Manuka Honey
where does manuka honey come from?
Manuka is a Maori word for a scrubby tree with the convoluted Latin name of Leptospermum scoparium. A native in New Zealand, it grows throughout the country, in the drier climate, both the North and South Islands. It’s also an important plant for regenerating eroded soil. By creating shade and shelter, it’s like a natural nursery for slower, more delicate native plants.
Why is manuka honey so unique?
Manuka Honey comes from the flowers of the Manuka tree, which is a plant species indigenous to New Zealand. The Manuka tree only flowers for a few short weeks a year, therefore it takes a lot of planning, resources and skill to harvest this special honey.
Manuka Honey contains antibacterial properties, which sets it apart from traditional honey. In fact, it has traditionally been used for wound healing, soothing sore throats, preventing tooth decay and improving digestive issues. Additionally, manuka honey has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Methylglyoxal is the active ingredient in Manuka Honey and it is this compound which we measure so that you can be confident that you're buying a high-quality Manuka honey.
All of our Manuka honey has an MGO rating, with the higher rating meaning there is a higher amount of the active ingredient that gives Manuka Honey its unique health benefits.
can honey be used for cooking?
Honey is a pantry staple for your cooking. Great for glazing, a natural preservative for pickles and sauces, it also retains moisture for deliciously dense, moist cakes, with a touch of colour. Foodies love Manuka honey! It has also been used to replace sugar in drinks and baking.
how do you use manuka honey?
The are many creative ways to use Manuka honey. For breakfast on toast, drizzled over porridge or in your tea/hot drink is great when it’s cold out. We even know of people who have a spoonful before they exercise for a quick, natural energy boost. It also has been used in homemade beauty products, and can be used in all sorts of cooking as a natural sugar.
how do you harvest honey?
Our authentic Manuka honey is found in Northland’s most remote locations. We do all we can to avoid damaging or disrupting our bees’ native bush home. Often the best way to access these pristine areas is by gently lifting hives in and out using helicopters.
how is manuka honey made?
Although we would LOVE to take credit we have to have give all the glory to our honeybee friends. Our job is to gently extract the honey from the honeycomb, and store in a safe way, before we bottle it up for our customer, you!
Contact us
Have a question, or want a product recommendation? Get in touch.