Unlocking the Secrets of Authentic Mānuka Honey

Mānuka honey, derived solely from mānuka flowers, offers a distinctive flavour and boasts powerful antibacterial qualities. As antibiotic-resistant bacteria become increasingly common, mānuka honey’s potential therapeutic benefits are more relevant than ever, making its authenticity crucial. To ensure genuine mānuka honey, the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association™ and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) play vital roles.

Potency and Grading of Mānuka Honey 

Flora Mānuka Honey is licensed by the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association™, an internationally recognized third party that ensures identity, potency, and quality. UMF™ graded products have been tested for three signature compounds:

• Leptosperin
• DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)
• Methylglyoxal (MGO)

The higher the UMF™ number on the product, the higher the concentration of these compounds. None of these compounds alone—nor rating systems based solely on pollen count—are enough to guarantee authenticity.

Flora Mānuka Honey is also measured and graded by its MGO content. Flora offers a variety of strengths, ranging from 30+ MGO up to 515+ MGO. This measurement indicates the amount of MGO in the honey—so 515+ means there’s a minimum of 515 mg of MGO per kilogram of honey.

New Zealand mānuka honey is authenticated through lab testing by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). To be considered authentic and 100% pure, mānuka honey must pass five tests.

Location, Location, Location 

Flora’s line of mānuka honey is sourced by a 100% Māori-owned company based in Whakatāne, New Zealand. The honey comes from several North Island locations:

• Mount Tarawera/Lake Rotomahana
• Central Plateau
• East Cape
• Northland areas

How is the Honey Made? 

The honey is unpasteurized, filtered, creamed, and stirred at low temperatures (50–70°C) for several days, then aged to increase the MGO content to a standardized amount. It is graded according to both its UMF™ number and MGO content.

Traceability and Authenticity 

As an additional layer of transparency, Flora Mānuka Honey offers a traceability system. Using a smartphone, consumers can scan the label to access:

• Batch-specific details
• Specific region information
• Lab test results
• UMF™ certification

This, along with the UMF™ licence, helps ensure confidence that consumers are purchasing authentic mānuka honey—not adulterated or counterfeit products.

Enjoy It Your Way 

Enjoy Flora Mānuka Honey straight from the spoon or explore Flora’s recipe section for delicious ways to incorporate it into foods and beverages—like Homemade Oat MilK made with mānuka honey!

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