Australian Manuka Honey is famous for a reason. With unique health properties, multiple therapeutic uses, and deliciously natural flavour - real, authentic Manuka Honey is made with bees that pollinate the Australian Manuka flower. The richest and most potent Manuka Honey comes from areas where the Manuka Tree and its flowers are abundant. The quality of such honey is measured using a variety of different ratings, the two most common of which are UMF+ and MGO+.
All B Brothers Honey Manuka products are made with cold extracted, pure Manuka Honey (monofloral) - that means our honey is never blended with, or diluted by other types of honey (multifloral). Here we will describe the different types of pure monofloral Manuka Honey, and their uses.
The Ratings
To gain certification, Manuka Honey products are tested in dedicated laboratories. Here the concentration of naturally occurring enzymes are measured, and samples are given a UMF+ (Unique Manuka Factor) rating and/or a MGO+ (Methylglyoxal) rating.
UMF+ Rating identifies the concentration of three unique compounds found naturally within pure Manuka Honey. These compounds are leptosperin, DHA, and Methylglyoxal (MGO). The presence of such compounds determines the overall characteristics of the honey, with MGO specifically indicating the antibacterial quality.
MGO+ Rating is the potency of Methylglyoxal, the primary antibacterial component, within a Manuka Honey sample. The higher the rating the greater concentration of MGO is present within the honey. A rating of UMF 10+ / MGO 263+ or higher is considered to have medicinal and therapeutic properties.
The Best Uses for Manuka
The most common medicinal use of Manuka Honey is topical for burn and wound healing - although it is also considered a superfood and is a perfect substitute for the sweetest parts of our diets. Pure Manuka is also known to soothe dry and scratchy throats, a delicious remedy when added to tea or smoothies.
The strength of Manuka Honey doesn’t just determine its medicinal qualities, it also affects the taste. Higher grades of Manuka offer a fuller, richer flavour. The differences between the various ratings of Manuka Honey mean that the different grades of Manuka are often best suited to different uses.
Which Manuka Honey is best to eat?
Manuka has a deliciously natural, sweet, floral taste - and is the perfect addition to tea, porridge, toast and crumpets or on a cheese platter. If you want a milder tasting everyday Manuka Honey, choose a Manuka Honey with a MGO rating less than 250
Alternatively, if you want a stronger tasting flavour, or to take advantage of the medicinal benefits choose a Manuka Honey with a MGO rating greater than 250. As the rating of Manuka Honey increases, so does the richness of its flavour and the strength of its medicinal agents.
Whatever your preference may be, B Brothers Honey has a variety of Australian Manuka Honey products that are perfect for any occasion or taste. Visit our store to see more.
