What makes Manuka Honey different from other honey?

Active UMF® Manuka Honey is found only in honey harvested exclusively from the Manuka bushes of New Zealand.

Here’s the clever science bit….Most honeys contain a naturally occurring ‘active’ agent which is produced by the enzyme glucose oxidase, that the bees add to the pollen in their hives. However, this activity is easily destroyed when exposed to heat and light. Manuka Honey contains an additional naturally occurring active which makes it distinct from other honeys. This additional component is stable and doesn’t lose its potency when exposed to heat, light and dilution - this special quality is what is known as ‘UMF®’ (unique manuka factor).

The UMF® rating is defined by a set laboratory test that compares the honey’s potency against a scientific standard. For example, UMF®10+ has the same potency as a 10% solution of this standard. Therefore the higher the UMF rating, the higher the potency of the honey.
The Seal of ApprovalFor a Manuka Honey to become licensed to carry the internationally recognised symbol of UMF the honey must be harvested, extracted, packed and tested at a certified laboratory using the certified UMF test to ensure it meets the required standards, as set out by the Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) and achieve a UMF® rating of 10 or more. Therefore, every batch of UMF rated Manuka Honey has been tested to confirm its uniqueactivity, unlike other types of honey, and is worthy of the ‘UMF’ seal of approval on the jar.

But ‘bee’ warned, not all Manuka Honeys have been tested to confirm UMF® activity. Look out for the UMF® trademark on jars to differentiate between ‘Active’ UMF® honey and ordinary honeys from the region.

John Rawcliffe of AMHA explains: “UMF identifies the small proportion of Manuka Honey that has this special, unique property. Consumers should look out for the UMF trademark on jars to differentiate between UMF honey – such as Manuka Gold UMF 10+ Manuka Honey – and ordinary honeys from the region, who may claim to be ‘Active’ but which do not meet our harvesting, production and laboratory testing standards.”So ‘bee’ wise!! If you want UMF® Manuka Honey with guaranteed levels of activity, only purchase honey with UMF® 10 or higher written on the label. If the label only states ‘Manuka Honey 10+’ or similar, it is not UMF® rated honey.