Why is Pure Manuka Honey Such A Premium Product?

When first introduced to pure Manuka honey, many often wonder why there is so much hype around this product. Seemingly simple and unassuming, this unique honey packs a surprising punch. 

Ranging in prices and boasting a large array of different certifications, it can be a daunting task trying to find the right brand or UMF rating for you. In this blog, we discuss some of the reasons why Manuka honey is such a premium product and what makes it so special. 

UMF quality trademark

One of the main reasons this honey is so premium is the integral testing necessary.

Genuine Manuka honey is subject to extensive independent laboratory testing in batches to authenticate the honey and determine the level of purity. This testing gives the honey a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating. Products carrying this mark are supported by a stringent license agreement, commitment to quality and an independent audit.

The Manuka honey NZ UMF rating is based on the scientific definition outlined by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) which requires the identification of four chemical markers from the nectar and one DNA marker from the pollen. NZ Manuka honey must be from NZ and adhere to this definition. 

There is a significant amount of legislation surrounding our beautiful honey including established quality standards and export regulations. 

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is one of the main chemical markers found in this testing. The UMF rating directly correlates with the amount of MGO which works in combination with the non-peroxide activity (NPA) to give high-quality Manuka honey its unique properties. 

PURITI honey takes it one step further to ensure only the very best is produced and has laid out its own honesty grading table. This means that all our honey’s offer a higher level of MGO in comparison to other companies. 

For example, our PURITI Manuka honey UMF 12+ has an MGO rating of 400+. This is well above the legal requirement of 356+. 

These are just some of the reasons why PURITI is probably the best Manuka honey brand in New Zealand and what makes this liquid gold so highly sought after. Significant testing can lead to higher costs when producing this honey to guarantee only the very best quality Manuka honey is being made. 

Unique traditional & Natural medicinal properties

The most researched varieties of honey in the world, Manuka honey benefits have been extensively investigated. Shown to exhibit antioxidant bioactivities, anti-inflammatory features, immune modularity, and antimicrobial properties when applied topically- this honey has been suggested to be a helpful skincare ingredient, but is most commonly ingested.

Cultivated from the Leptospermum Scoparium tree or Manuka plant - a plant well-known for its medicinal properties by the indigenous Maori people - the nectar is collected by our hard-working bees and transferred into honey. 

In 1980, Dr Peter Molan was the first to unveil that the unique properties were being transmitted from this special plant and into the honey. This has led to further research and an increase in the popularity of pure Manuka honey in New Zealand. 

Manuka honey is rare 

One of the biggest reasons why Manuka honey is such a premium product is the fact that it is extremely rare. The Manuka plant thrives in altitude set in the wild high country farmland. This means that much of the honey and hives needs to be cultivated from select locations by helicopter. 

The quality, purity and amount of honey is seasonal dependent. Manuka flowers bloom between 2-8 weeks per year. This is a small window for our bees to collect the nectar. These trees are also incredible temperamental. Climate, soil fertility, plant species and bee health all determine how long the flowers will be in bloom and the quality of the Manuka honey. 

The higher the rating of UMF for Manuka honey, the more scarce and rare the honey. PURITI Manuka Grand Cru Premier Reserve 31+ is the rarest honey you can purchase on the market. A harvest like this is a once in a generation event and needs a very specific environment in order to be produced and is the best Manuka honey in NZ. With an MGO rating of 1722+, this is some of the most potent honey on the market.

The rarity and scarcity of this stunning product greatly affect the Manuka honey price.

These are just some of the reasons why Manuka honey is such a highly sought after, rare and premium product. 

Looking for a premium product crafted to the highest of standards? Buy our Manuka honey online or in selected stores.