What Does Monofloral Mānuka Honey Mean?

If you’re just discovering Mānuka honey, you may feel slightly overwhelmed by all the jargon thrown around. One term that many people get tripped up on is “monofloral” Mānuka honey. What does this mean? Does it mean this honey is the best? How do I trust brands that say “monofloral”? 

Don’t worry; this blog will be your guide to explaining monofloral Mānuka honey and what it means not to be monofloral. After reading this article, you’ll have an excellent grasp on looking for pure UMF™-certified Mānuka honey. You may even be tempted by one of our delicious, raw, primal jars from our Primal by Nature Mānuka honey collection. 

What Is Monofloral Mānuka Honey? 

Monofloral Mānuka honey refers to honey that is almost exclusively derived from the nectar of the native Mānuka flower. Bees will collect nectar from this scarce flower (blooming only a few weeks per year) and then begin producing the rich sweet honey we all know too well. 

Although this may seem like a simple measurement, extensive tests take place to confirm the purity of monofloral Mānuka honey. The New Zealand Government has outlined stringent criteria for New Zealand honey brands to follow if they label their product as “monofloral” Mānuka honey. 

Potency is the key to monofloral. While monofloral does mean one source of nectar, this does not mean all monofloral Mānuka honey is made to the same potency. There are unique bioactive chemicals that are found in monofloral Mānuka honey (and trace amounts in multifloral), but these concentrations can increase with certain harvests. 

What Is Multifloral Mānuka Honey? 

As a Mānuka honey variation that is less expensive but less pure than monofloral varieties, monofloral Mānuka honey refers to honey produced from more than just the Mānuka nectar. The New Zealand Government also has rules on what can be deemed multifloral, but of course, they are far less strict. 

Multifloral Mānuka honey is excellent for spreading on toast or as an alternative sweetener to regular refined sugar. Many people also love the caramel texture that still comes with this variety, and you can still enjoy a unique taste that is separate from conventional clear clover honey. 

Is UMF™ Certified Mānuka Honey Only Monofloral? 

One of the essential requirements for UMF™ certification is for the Mānuka honey to be monofloral. There are four key ingredients that are considered when determining the UMF™ grade of a jar. This grade extends from UMF™ 5+ to UMF™ 25+ - with some Manuka honey jars getting as high as UMF™ 32+. 

Multifloral Mānuka honey is not able to reach these very high bioactive concentrations and so will never be considered for UMF™ certification. 

What Can Monofloral Mānuka Honey Be Used For? 

Monofloral Mānuka honey can be used for a variety of purposes. Commonly, people will enjoy this golden gift from nature by the spoonful as part of their breakfast routine. This is an excellent way of getting your daily natural sugars while avoiding artificial carbohydrates. 

With growing popularity comes growing number of uses of Monofloral Mānuka honey. Fans across the world are discovering innovating and delicious baked treats that can be made using this primal essence of New Zealand nature. See our blog, ‘How To Bake With Mānuka Honey’ for more information and tips on how to succeed with this delicious natural honey. 

There has been a growing trend amongst skincare enthusiasts to include Mānuka honey as part of their regimen. A known humectant, monofloral Mānuka honey can used to increase the moisture in your skin. Additionally, there has been discussions within the cosmetic research industry that there may be potential for monofloral Mānuka honey to sooth blemish or acne-prone skin.

Medical grade (UMF 15+) Mānuka honey the level of peroxide activity has been suggested to decrease the presence of blemishes occurring from bacteria.  

Primal by Nature - Sustainably Providing 100% Pure New Zealand Mānuka Honey 

Primal by Nature can deliver Mānuka honey from the rawest and primal regions in some of the most remote New Zealand locations. We are your one-stop shop for a sustainable and natural solution. Our Mānuka honey comes in a range of UMF™ strengths. 

All Primal by Nature Mānuka honey arrives at your door in recyclable glass jars regardless of the level of MGO or UMF™. We believe that our pure New Zealand Mānuka honey must be the best and should be available to consumers in the same eco-friendly packaging. 

Primal by Nature eliminates the confusion surrounding Mānuka honey UMF™ grading systems and standards. As a result, you will be made aware of the different grades and be confident in buying a product that reflects an environmentally conscious brand. 

Taking Mānuka honey to the next level, every Primal by Nature glass jar contains a potent primal burst of nature. To taste Mānuka honey of this stature is to embrace nature itself. So take a look at our extensive selection of Mānuka honey products and become one with nature. 

References: 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12058