Manuka Honey vs Regular Honey:Unraveling the Buzz
Honey, a sweet, sticky, and wholesome product created by bees, has been savored by humans for thousands of years. Known for its culinary and medicinal properties, honey is a beloved staple in many pantries worldwide.
However, amidst the shelves stocked with diverse varieties of honey, one particular type that has gained significant popularity over recent years is Manuka honey. Originating from New Zealand, Manuka honey is celebrated for its distinctive benefits. But how does it compare to regular honey? Let's dive into this honey of a debate.
Comparing Manuka and Regular Honey
Origins and Production
Regular honey, regardless of its type, is produced by bees that gather nectar from various flowers. The flavor, color, and nutritional content of the honey depend on the types of flowers the bees visit. This multi-floral nectar source results in what we often refer to as wildflower honey or regular honey.
On the other hand, Manuka honey is monofloral. It is made by bees that feed on the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. The nectar from this particular bush gives Manuka honey its unique properties.
Unique Properties
All kinds of honey, including regular honey, have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
This natural preservative contributes to honey's long shelf life and its use in traditional medicine as a wound dressing. Manuka honey takes these properties a step further. In addition to hydrogen peroxide, it contains a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives Manuka honey superior antimicrobial power.
Furthermore, Manuka honey retains its antibacterial strength even when the hydrogen peroxide activity is blocked, a property described as non-peroxide activity (NPA). This means Manuka honey can potentially provide therapeutic benefits that surpass those of regular honey.
Taste
While both Manuka and regular honey are undeniably sweet, their taste profiles are distinct. Regular honey often has a lighter, more floral flavor, varying based on the nectar sources. In contrast, Manuka honey offers a more complex flavor – earthy, robust, and slightly bitter, leaving a lingering aftertaste that some describe as medicinal.
The Manuka Grading System
When purchasing regular honey, most consumers look at factors like color, viscosity, and flavor to gauge quality. But with Manuka honey, it's different. Two primary grading systems exist – Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) and MGO.
Both these ratings refer to the potency of Manuka honey's unique properties. Higher UMF or MGO numbers indicate stronger antimicrobial activity, making it more beneficial for health and wellness. Regular honey, due to its lower and varying antimicrobial potency, doesn't have a comparable grading system.
Cost
Due to its unique properties, strict production process, and the rarity of the Manuka bush, Manuka honey is considerably more expensive than regular honey.
While regular honey can be produced almost anywhere in the world, Manuka honey's production is geographically limited, contributing to its high price point.
Spotlight on Kiva
Raw Manuka Honey (UMF 20+, MGO 850+)
One example is the Manuka Health MGO 850+ Raw Manuka Honey 8.8 oz package by Kiva, certified with a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) of 20+. This UMF rating indicates that the honey is equivalent to a methylglyoxal (MGO) level of 850+, affirming its high potency and superior health benefits.
UMF is a licensed, global standard for identifying and measuring the antibacterial strength of Manuka honey. It assures consumers of the honey's purity, quality, and authenticity.
Only licensees that meet stringent criteria, including regular auditing and monitoring of honey quality, can use the UMF rating.
Purchasing UMF-rated Manuka honey, like the Kiva Raw Manuka Honey, safeguards against low-grade honey often misleadingly labeled as 'active' or 'bioactive.'
Kiva's Manuka honey is sourced from the untouched hills, forests, and coastal areas of New Zealand, ensuring that the product you consume is as pure and unadulterated as possible. It is known for its healing properties, being used in treating conditions like sore throats, colds, and digestive issues, and also in wound and burn dressings.
Additionally, it serves as a natural energy booster and can enhance general health when incorporated into a balanced diet.
The Kiva Raw Manuka Honey (UMF 20+) not only guarantees you genuine Manuka honey with powerful therapeutic benefits but also promotes sustainability in production. Each batch of honey is independently tested, verified, and traceable, reinforcing Kiva's commitment to quality and transparency.
The Verdict
While regular honey and Manuka honey share the basic qualities of being natural sweeteners with some level of therapeutic value, they are far from identical.
The unique characteristics of Manuka honey, including its superior antimicrobial activity, grading system, and distinctive taste, set it apart from regular honey. However, it's essential to remember that the choice between Manuka and regular honey ultimately comes down to personal preferences, needs, and budget.
Manuka Honey vs Regular Honey:Unraveling the Buzz
