As one of the most sought-after superfoods globally, NZ Manuka honey has been praised by millions. However, it isn’t by chance that this honey happens to be exceedingly popular. This liquid gold requires perfect harvesting and crafting to result in the creamy goodness we all love.
This blog will answer questions about how Manuka honey has grown to become a world-renowned superfood and why the number of fans is bound to grow.
What Are The Origins Of Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is derived from the native New Zealand tree, Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium). The Manuka bush or New Zealand Tea Tree grows extensively within remote coastal locations all across the country.
The indigenous Maori population typically commonly burned the bark, and the subsequent ash was used to treat skin diseases. The leaves would also be boiled and would produce a vapour used to decongest a cold. Additionally, tea was commonly made from the tree for oral care and improving digestive health.
The use of Manuka honey came about in the early nineteenth century when Mary Brumby, a Methodist missionary, arrived in New Zealand. Brumby brought her honey bees along and thus introduced the nation to this brand new species.
Originally thought to be a horrible flavour, Manuka honey was not a hit off the bat. However, it is now believed that this product was not pure monofloral Manuka honey and was likely diluted by other varieties of plants such as the kanuka plant.
The taste of Manuka only became famous later on when it was purified as monofloral Manuka honey.
What Makes Manuka Honey So Popular?
In the 1980s, Dr Peter Molan discovered the special ingredient, methylglyoxal (MGO) - the antibacterial bioactive responsible for the magic within pure monofloral Manuka honey.
From this discovery, further studies revealed that Manuka honey was capable of antiviral, antiseptic, antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Nevertheless, further research is still needed to measure the extent of health properties within Manuka honey. There’s no denying the popularity has taken the world by storm.
This New Zealand treasure has found notoriety everywhere from the Gulf States to parts of Asia, to the United States. As a vital part of New Zealand identity, Manuka honey is now governed by stringent regulations, ensuring the natural potency of this liquid gold.
Many foods in this world are loaded with synthetic preservatives and come in seldom-recycled plastic packaging. It should come as no surprise that people are looking for a healthy alternative that is more conscientious of the environment.
Does It Matter Which Manuka Honey Product I Buy?
Manuka honey ranges in strength and potency levels, with each level corresponding to the levels of unique ingredients it contains. Typically, price tends to correlate with increasing concentrations of the vital component, MGO.
The following factors will determine both the quality and price of the product:
- Packaging
- Potency
- Purity
- Sustainability
- MGO level
- UMF™ certification
Not all Manuka honey is made the same, and there are many out there who will claim to have genuine Manuka honey from New Zealand. However, while several Manuka brands do have the necessary certifications, they may not be employing the very best packaging for this natural product.
Plastic is the most common packaging method for most Manuka honey products; however, using a substance that contributes to so much litter and waste in this world almost seems counterintuitive. Therefore, it’s important to value this unique substance as much as the environment that allowed it to exist.
Thus, finding a Manuka honey brand that solely uses glass jars would place you in the best position to enjoy the fantastic gold of pure Manuka honey and feel good about how it arrives.
Primal by Nature - The Manuka Honey of Tomorrow
All Primal by Nature Manuka honey arrives at your door in glass jars regardless of the level of MGO or UMF™. We believe that our pure New Zealand Manuka honey must be the best in every respect and should be available to consumers in the same eco-friendly packaging.
Primal by Nature eliminates the confusion surrounding Manuka honey UMF™ grading systems and standards. As a result, you will be made aware of what the different grades represent and be confident in buying a product that reflects an environmentally conscious brand.
Taking Manuka honey to the next level, every glass jar of Primal by Nature contains a potent primal burst of nature. To taste Manuka honey of this stature is to embrace nature itself. So take a look at our extensive selection of Manuka honey products and become one with nature.