Understanding Manuka Honey
What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is monofloral honey, meaning the honey that is only pollinated by the bees that pollinate the
Manuka plant ( Leptospermum scoparium ). Although Australian Manuka honey is technically known as New
Zealand honey, it is becoming popular due to its quality. The strength of this crude honey is generally
established by the presence of Methylglyoxal (MGO) and Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) into which antibacterial
functions of this honey have been quantified.
Manuka Honey Production?
Before harvesting Manuka honey, the beekeepers put the hives in areas where Manuka flowers are before
extracting the honey. The honey is made by bees picking the nectar of these particular flowers, which is
then turned into honey in the hive. All the batches of Manuka honey undergo rigorous laboratory testing to
confirm their MGO rating and UMF to ensure that consumers are getting the best Manuka honey with the same
quality and strength.
The Bees and the Manuka Honey
A significant part of the Manuka honey production is the bees as they are the main gatherers of the special
nectar of the Manuka plant. These industrious insects not only collect raw material, but also contribute to
the preparation of the honey taste, and to the composition of the honey by the enzymatic activity in the
hive. Unless the bee, the marvellous bee, should prudently undertake her toil, the wonderful properties of
the Manuka honey, and its well-known antibacterial agent, would not be gained.