New Zealand Manuka honey
New Zealand Manuka honey
What is New Zealand Manuka honey?
Manuka honey comes from the flower nectar of the New Zealand manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). It has special compounds that no other honey in the world has so only honey produced in New Zealand from the manuka tree can be called New Zealand manuka honey.
New Zealand’s manuka honey is a premium quality honey widely recognised and highly sought after by consumers worldwide.
New Zealand manuka honey has a substantial body of research behind it. The New Zealand UMF Honey Association (UMFHA) runs an internationally renowned science programme that has identified unique signature compounds found only in genuine NZ manuka honey.
In January 2017, the New Zealand UMFHA, announced it had validated these compounds following more than five years research with UK-based company Fera Science Limited, a leading supplier of scientific evidence and advice across the agri-food supply chain.
The research showed that over 2000 compounds are unique to manuka honey. Of these, three determine whether the honey is genuine NZ manuka honey. These three compounds - Leptosperin (LS), Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and Methylglyoxal (MG) - are represented by the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) quality trademark, which can only be applied to manuka honey that meets the UMFHA’s specifications.
Manuka is a ‘monofloral’ honey, which means it has a distinctive flavour from the nectar of the manuka tree.