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June 07, 2019

Australian Manuka honey vs. New Zealand Manuka honey - They are not the same!

An interesting article by the "Unique Manuka Factor" (UMF) Honey Association outlining the difference between Australian Manuka honey and New Zealand Manuka honey explains that the two are not the same, and as such, Australian Manuka honey shouldn't really be called Manuka honey.

There are many different species of the Leptospermum genus, with Manuka honey, Leptospermum Scoparium, being quite different from others. Australia hasManuka Flower Illustration, Leptosperum Scoparium many of the Leptospermum species growing side by side. There are easily recognizable physical and visual differences, along with chemical differences. Although the article does not specifically talk about methylglyoxal (the main constituent in Manuka honey that is correlated to its health and wellness benefits) content, it alludes that there are probably bioactive differences as well. The Australian honey industry has not historically produced what it now often calls ‘Australian Manuka’ honey. Some believe that as the Manuka honey industry has grown successfully, Australia has jumped on a wagon that is already rolling.

The article ends leaving you to answer this question:

"Why have some operators in the Australian honey industry decided to adopt the name ‘Australian manuka’ for Leptospermum honey, given that the honeys are distinct, and those differences are readily detected by consumers? The decision to do so is clearly not supported by science, is misleading and, at worst, could be cynically viewed as an attempt to deceive consumers."

Read full article here.

To order real 100% pure New Zealand Manuka honey from Bees and Trees, click here

Our Manuka honey is 100% pure, raw, hive-to-jar New Zealand Manuka honey.  We take great care of our bees and we use pristine land sites to ensure we're providing the highest quality Manuka honey and being the best stewards possible of Nature and her gifts. 

At Bees and Trees Manuka honey, our mission is to educate consumers about Manuka honey so that you can make an informed decision with confidence when purchasing Manuka honey.  Because Manuka honey is a premium product, you want to make sure you're not overpaying and that you will get the results you expect.  We help you do this by sharing our knowledge and information with you.

As always, if you have any questions, just ask!

At Bees and Trees Manuka honey, our mission is to educate consumers about Manuka honey so that you can make an informed decision with confidence when purchasing Manuka honey.  Because Manuka honey is a premium product, you want to make sure you're not overpaying and that you will get the results you expect.  We help you do this by sharing our knowledge and information with you.

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