Honeybees collect nectar from the Manuka shrub and transform it into the distinctive flavour and aroma known as "Manuka honey" (Leptospermum scoparium). Manuka honey is a great product, but the packaging is much more perplexing than it needs to be. Those symbols and codes seem like they don't make any sense.
So what are the key differences between UMF, MGO, Active and KFactor?
It's important to read the label carefully to ensure you're getting authentic Manuka honey. That requires understanding the difference between UMF, MGO, Active and KFactor grades. Knowing the rationale behind and the distinction between these grading methods in the New Zealand honey sector is equally crucial.
The price of this all-natural product has skyrocketed as more people learn about its myriad applications. In an effort to cash in, some manufacturers have resorted to intentionally deceptive marketing.
There are four different rating systems, UMF, MGO, Active and Kfactor. Only two of these are quality assurances of the purity and grade of Manuka honey, UMF and MGO, these were created because of worries that shoppers were not always getting authentic Manuka honey.
Hence, the New Zealand government and the honey industry have both expressed an interest in establishing strict guidelines for the sale of Manuka honey.
There are several subtle but important differences between the UMF, MGO, KFactor and Active ratings that serve to rate Manuka honey. What is important is the active chemical compound which Manuka is famous for, that is Methylglyoxal, this is openly measured by UMF and MGO rating systems.
Where does Manuka Honey originate from?
The simple answer is New Zealand. New Zealand's native Manuka flower, which only blooms for a brief two to six weeks a year, provides the nectar for bees to produce Manuka honey.
Such hives are situated in some of New Zealand's most unspoiled and inaccessible regions because Manuka Honey can only be made in locations rich in native Manuka blooms. Such beehives are located in six distinct locations of the country, from the volcanic plateau in the centre of the North Island to the bush-covered hills in Northland. They are only reachable by helicopter in certain cases. Such beehives are situated in these exceptional areas, allowing them to create the unique, pure Manuka Honey that has been independently certified with a variety of UMF ratings.
What is UMF in Manuka Honey?
The UMF trademark was first established in 1998 by a group of New Zealand Manuka suppliers. This is deemed the equivalent of red tractor for UK farmers, a reputable body to set standards for Manuka honey and audit its members.
The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is a standard by which authentic New Zealand Manuka honey is measured. Methylglyoxal (MGO) testing is just one component of the overall UMF grading, they also measure other chemical markers.
For example, dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a chemical that plays a role. For the first time in 2009, researchers established a link between DHA and MGO. DHA by itself has no antibacterial characteristics, but it can be converted into MGO through a series of chemical reactions. In this way, the potential for MGO in Manuka honey can be estimated by evaluating DHA levels. Manuka honey, like fine wine, improves with age.
Manuka honey contains a molecule called Leptosperin, which is tested for in the UMF honey test. Only Manuka honey contains the time-stable compound leptosperin. Therefore, the presence of Leptosperin proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the material is authentic.
What is the MGO rating in Manuka Honey?
Methygloxal (MGO) is the special natural chemical in Manuka honey. The MGO levels depend on the density of the Manuka flower and high, light in the area where the hives are placed. It is fair to say the higher the MGO the greater the presence of MGO.
What is the Kfactor rating in Manuka Honey?
Kfactor is the only rating system used by just one company based in USA. They have their own unique way to add numbers to the jar, which do not correlate to the MGO rating.
What is the Active rating in Manuka Honey?
All honey has goodness, active ratings measure all the activity in the jar. This can lead to a higher number on the front of the jar.
Which Manuka Honey rating system is better?
Manuka honey's special qualities can be verified by either the UMF or the MGO system. As a result, anyone can be used to reassure buyers that their honey is authentic. UMF guarantees the Manuka honey is monofloral and packed in New Zealand.
What does a UMF rating of 5+ versus a UMF rating of 20+ indicate?
The beneficial chemicals in Manuka are measured by their UMF strength, which goes from 5+ to 20+. Larger UMF levels tend to be deeper in colour and have a specific taste because of the higher concentration of these chemicals, making them more useful for targeted use in conventional wellness therapies.
In comparison to other kinds of honey, why does Manuka Honey cost more?
Manuka Honey is harvested from the Manuka Flower, a unique and rare plant that can only be found in New Zealand. It stands out from the rest for the unusual healing properties it possesses, which aid in digestion and general well-being.
The Manuka Flower, with all its special properties, is also extremely sensitive to seasonal weather (it can only be harvested for about two to six weeks out of the year). Manuka honey is more expensive to manufacture than other varieties of honey since it requires more time, effort, and money to harvest. However, only genuine Manuka honey possesses the energising, wellness properties it does.
When evaluating the quality of manuka honey, a metric known as the Unique Manuka Factor is used (UMF). The amount of MGO is indicated by the UMF number on the bottle. They may register anywhere from UMF 5+ to UMF 20+.
Generally speaking, the greater the UMF value, the stronger the antibacterial action and the more expensive the Manuka honey will be.
An improved antibacterial impact was found in a 2017 laboratory research of Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 10+ and higher. Even drug-resistant germs were no match for UMF 20+ Manuka honey.
Purchasing UMF-certified Manuka honey guarantees the presence of the three unique ingredients that set it apart as genuine Manuka honey (Leptosperin, DHA, and MGO).
Melora Manuka Honey uses innovative harvesting techniques to produce the highest quality manuka honey on the market and prioritises customer service. Therefore, it is one of the highest acclaimed brands.