Identifying a Quality Producer of Manuka Honey
With so many different brands producing Manuka Honey in New Zealand and worldwide, it is difficult to know which one to choose. You want to find a product of high quality – so how do you know which brand or company is the best for you?
There are a number of factors that you will need to consider when selecting a brand. Let's take a look at a few of the things you will need to look out for when trying to find a quality producer of this natural resource:
Flavour and texture
Many people enjoy it for its flavour and texture, and it makes a great breakfast spread. Therefore, it's very important that your chosen product has a flavour and texture that you enjoy. Manuka honey is available in many different varieties, and some have added natural flavourings. Many retail stores allow you to sample their different varieties, so you can find one that you prefer. Otherwise, it may be a process of trial and error until you find the right one for you!
UMF Rating
Manuka Honey should contain at least 70 per cent Manuka pollen count in order to be called Manuka Honey. Some Active Manuka Honey will also have an official UMF rating from the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association. If it has been approved by an independent laboratory, the UMF Manuka Honey will receive a quality trademark to show that it has been verified. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the antibacterial level – it is available in UMF 5, UMF 10, UMF 15 , UMF 18 and UMF 20+.
New Zealand made
One easy indication that they honey is genuine is that real UMF honey is usually sold in a plastic rather than a glass jar, as the honey has to be packed and labelled in New Zealand. To carry the UMF brand, the manufacturer or owner of the brand must hold a current UMF license with the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association. Genuine UMF Manuka Honey will have UMF clearly stated on the front label, will be from a New Zealand company licensed by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association, and will have a UMF rating of 5 or more.
Some brands may misrepresent their products – so make sure you read the label carefully. That way, you will know that the honey you are buying is genuine UMF Active Manuka Honey from New Zealand!
There are a number of factors that you will need to consider when selecting a brand. Let's take a look at a few of the things you will need to look out for when trying to find a quality producer of this natural resource:
Flavour and texture
Many people enjoy it for its flavour and texture, and it makes a great breakfast spread. Therefore, it's very important that your chosen product has a flavour and texture that you enjoy. Manuka honey is available in many different varieties, and some have added natural flavourings. Many retail stores allow you to sample their different varieties, so you can find one that you prefer. Otherwise, it may be a process of trial and error until you find the right one for you!
UMF Rating
Manuka Honey should contain at least 70 per cent Manuka pollen count in order to be called Manuka Honey. Some Active Manuka Honey will also have an official UMF rating from the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association. If it has been approved by an independent laboratory, the UMF Manuka Honey will receive a quality trademark to show that it has been verified. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the antibacterial level – it is available in UMF 5, UMF 10, UMF 15 , UMF 18 and UMF 20+.
New Zealand made
One easy indication that they honey is genuine is that real UMF honey is usually sold in a plastic rather than a glass jar, as the honey has to be packed and labelled in New Zealand. To carry the UMF brand, the manufacturer or owner of the brand must hold a current UMF license with the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association. Genuine UMF Manuka Honey will have UMF clearly stated on the front label, will be from a New Zealand company licensed by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association, and will have a UMF rating of 5 or more.
Some brands may misrepresent their products – so make sure you read the label carefully. That way, you will know that the honey you are buying is genuine UMF Active Manuka Honey from New Zealand!
