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Frequently Asked Questions
UMF™ is the abbreviation for ‘Unique Manuka Factor’ and is the standard of measure established by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA). A UMF™ grading system measures natural markers found in Manuka Honey and assures quality, purity and authenticity. This system is also compliant with the Ministry of Primary Industry’s labelling guidelines for Manuka Honey. Only Manuka Honey that is UMF™ graded and has been independently tested by UMFHA is given a UMF™ grade. Visit www.umf.org.nz for more information.
MGO stands for Methylglyoxal. It is the compound found in Manuka honey and is responsible for the activity in the honey. Although not a technical grading system, Methylglyoxal is very valid and is measured in milligrams per kilogram of Manuka honey. It can be measured alongside UMF™, which is the grading system we use. We find this to be helpful for our customers and helps them understand the different grades and what they mean. For example a Manuka Honey UMF™ 15+ is equivalent to MGO 514+.
Our honey is not officially certified as an organic food. However, there is nothing added to this product artificially at any stage in the honey production process. The farmland the bees forage is not sprayed with pesticides, herbicides or insecticides because the rugged, mountainous terrain is not suitable for animals to graze.
Yes, our honey is 100% raw. This means that we do not add anything to the honey at any stage of the production process. The product you receive is as it exists in the beehive after extraction. It has not been pasteurised.
Manuka Honey is unique to New Zealand and comes from the Leptospermum Scoparium tree, which is a native and limited resource. With a small window, it’s difficult to extract and we can only harvest during a small window of time, it is a specialised task for beekeepers to obtain quality Manuka Honey.
There are only 2800 tonnes of Manuka Honey produced each year, this is compared with 1.9 million tonnes of other honey produced globally. This 2800 tonnes has to supply the entire global market. As there are different grades of Manuka Honey the higher the grade, the less there is available and the more scarce it becomes.
There is extensive research supporting the health benefits of Manuka honey due to its incredibly powerful properties and for this reason, it is in high demand.You can read more on Why Manuka Honey is so expensive at this post.
Here is a checklist to identify genuine UMF Manuka Honey.
The quality UMF trademark is clearly stated on the label.
The honey is produced in New Zealand. As mentioned above, honey cannot be imported into New Zealand. The consumer is assured that UMF Manuka honey is truly and only New Zealand Manuka honey.
It is processed, packed and labelled in New Zealand.
It has the New Zealand UMF Licensee’s brand name on the label (and is also present on the UMFHA website licensees list https://www.umf.org.nz).
It is produced by a New Zealand company licensed to use the quality trademark UMF.
A grading number without the abbreviation UMF does not identify genuine UMF Manuka Honey. It must have a rating number alongside the trademark UMF.
It can be verified by the Official UMF Release Document which states the test results for the batch number shown on the jar label. The Official UMF Release Document presents test results for all four Manuka markers (Leptosperin + Methylglyoxal + DHA + HMF)
When the honey comes directly from the hive it is liquid. After a period of time, the honey will start to granulate. We control the granulation by creaming our Manuka Honey. Once the honey changes state from liquid to solid it will never reverse and is very stable.
There are many reported health benefits of using Manuka honey. Our consumers tell us that they use Manuka honey to alleviate coughs, colds and sore throats and apply topically to heal problematic acne and eczema. Many people also use Manuka honey to improve digestion, support the respiratory system and provide a natural energy boost.
There are two components to the UMF grading system, which are stated on any UMF certified Manuka Honey product.
The label, which claims that it is Manuka.
The number, which represents three chemical markers that indicate the content of the Manuka Honey to ensure quality and purity. The chemical markers are DHA, MGO and Leptosperin. Visit: https://www.umf.org.nz/unique-manuka-factor/umf-four-factor-quality-testing/ for more information.
There are four better known grading systems for Manuka Honey and two well known measurements.
These grading systems are Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), BioActive, KFactor, Molan Gold Standard (MGS).
The measurements are Methylglyoxal (MGO) and Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA).
Manuka Honey has been around for many years. However, it was only 38 years ago that Doctor Peter Molan from the University of Waikato in New Zealand discovered the power of Manuka Honey. Since then organisations have been established to conduct their own extensive research on Manuka Honey due to its incredibly unique properties.
In 1998 the UMFHA was founded to do just that and protect not only the Manuka Honey industry but its consumers as well. The UMF grading system, and measuring of MG levels, is the oldest, most well established and widely recognised grading system of Manuka Honey in the world.
There are approximately 12 calories in a teaspoon of Manuka Honey and 16 calories in a teaspoon of refined sugar. Manuka Honey is a complex superfood that contains nutritional benefits compared to refined sugar which contains no nutritional benefit.
UMF 10+ Manuka Honey is considered to have levels of MG/NPA high enough for use at a medicinal grade, which means that the activity in the honey may be powerful enough to kill harmful bacteria and heal a wound, cut or abrasion. Additional preparation of the honey may be required.
Anything higher than a UMF 10+ Manuka Honey has been reported to provide greater and faster results.
Always consult a professional medical practitioner as necessary.
For many years, women have consumed Manuka Honey during pregnancy with no reported problems. Always consult a professional as necessary.
No. It is not safe for infants under 18 months old to ingest Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey contains live enzymes and bacteria because it is a living food. These living organisms can grow inside a baby’s gut and cause infant botulism. Babies’ intestines are not mature enough to fight the harmful bacteria.
Honey doesn’t really expire. It has been said that it remains as good as it was when it was extracted. As long as it is stored properly (out of direct sunlight, not exposed to direct heat and isn’t frozen) it will last well beyond it’s best before date. For health and safety purposes we recommend to consume your honey within three years of opening. The UMF grading and activity levels in the honey will decline over time. Our UMF Manuka Honey is guaranteed to hold its certified activity levels until at least the expiry date stated on the Jar.
If your honey becomes gritty and sugar like, don’t fret it is perfectly fine to consume and does not mean that it is of poor quality or has been adulterated. Honey can naturally crystalise, particularly when the weather turns cooler. Simply place the jar in a warm area or gently heat in order to soften the honey, this will remove the crystals.
Yes, we use 100% recyclable rPET - PCR (Post Consumer Resin) packaging, free from BPA. Please recycle responsibly in accordance with your local recycling centre processes.
Unfortunately, due to the weight of the honey and the shipping process our safety seals can become damaged in transit.
If this is the case please get in touch and we'll take care of it immediately! You can contact us here on our website or through your order contact details on Amazon.
Customer satisfaction is our absolute priority.
Honey is measured by weight and not volume. This means it will weigh at least what is stated on the label. Eg. 250 grams/8.8oz or 500 grams/17.6oz.
The design of our jars does allow a little extra room after we fill them but we promise you're getting value for money.
Customer satisfaction is our absolute priority, so if you aren't happy, please don't hesitate to contact us!