manuka honey
What Is Different About Manuka Honey, and Why We Use Manuka Honey Rated at 515+
Manuka honey is prized for its natural antibacterial properties. Learn what makes it unique, how UMF and MGO ratings work, and why we choose a 515+ grade.
Key takeaways
- ✓Manuka honey is a special honey made by bees that pollinate the manuka bush, which grows in New Zealand.
- ✓Manuka honey comes from bees pollinating the manuka bush native to New Zealand.
- ✓The key difference is methylglyoxal (MGO).
- ✓The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating measures the concentration of MGO and other markers in the honey.
What Makes Manuka Honey Different?
Manuka honey is a special honey made by bees that pollinate the manuka bush, which grows in New Zealand. What sets it apart is a naturally occurring compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives manuka its prized antibacterial properties. Regular honey doesn't contain meaningful amounts of this compound, which is what makes manuka so unique.
At T&B Luxe, we choose ingredients with intention. Manuka honey has been valued for its rich character and traditionally used for skin care, and we wanted only the finest grade for our products.
What Is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey comes from bees pollinating the manuka bush native to New Zealand. It's long been celebrated for its unique antibacterial properties and rich flavor profile, and it has a long history of traditional use for skin and wellness applications.
This is honey with a true sense of place. Its qualities are tied directly to the wild manuka that grows in New Zealand, which is why authenticity and sourcing matter so much.
“Manuka honey comes from bees pollinating the manuka bush native to New Zealand.
What Makes Manuka Different From Regular Honey?
The key difference is methylglyoxal (MGO). Manuka honey contains this compound, which is responsible for its antibacterial properties, while ordinary honey does not contain it in any meaningful amount. The more MGO a batch contains, the stronger its natural antibacterial activity tends to be.
This is the heart of why manuka is treated so differently from the honey on a typical grocery shelf. It's not a flavor difference. It's a meaningful difference in the honey's natural composition.
Understanding the UMF Rating
The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating measures the concentration of MGO and other markers in the honey. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the concentration of MGO. A rating of UMF 10+ is generally considered the threshold for therapeutic-grade honey, with higher ratings offering greater potency.
When you shop for manuka, we encourage you to check the rating on the label and look for honey sourced from reputable New Zealand producers, which helps ensure you're getting the genuine article.
Why We Use Manuka Honey Rated at 515+
We use manuka honey rated at 515+ because it represents an exceptionally potent grade, far beyond the entry-level threshold. For our small-batch, hand-crafted skincare, we wanted manuka of remarkable strength so you receive the full benefit of this special ingredient.
It's the same standard we hold for everything: grass-fed, pasture-raised tallow, Mediterranean Sea salt, steam-distilled essential oils, and now manuka of an uncommonly high grade. No shortcuts, no impurities. Nutrition from the outside in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gives manuka honey its special properties?+
A naturally occurring compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). It's responsible for manuka's antibacterial properties and is the main reason manuka is different from regular honey.
What does the UMF rating mean?+
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) reflects the concentration of MGO and other key markers in the honey. A higher number means a higher concentration and greater potency, with UMF 10+ considered therapeutic grade.
Why does the 515+ rating matter?+
A 515+ grade indicates an exceptionally high level of the compounds that make manuka special. We chose it so our products deliver this prized ingredient at remarkable strength.
How can I make sure manuka honey is genuine?+
Look for a clearly stated rating on the label and choose honey from reputable New Zealand producers. Authentic manuka comes from bees pollinating the manuka bush native to New Zealand.
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