Spotlight on MANUKA HONEY

GO Healthy naturopath PETA TEUMA reveals everything you need to know about buying this ‘liquid gold’!

CHECK WHERE IT’S MADE DE

Peta says New Zealand is the motherland of manuka. Manuka honey is sourced from the nectar of the flower of the manuka bush ( Leptospermum scoparium) found in New Zealand [and south-east Australia*]. The word manuka is the Maori name for the bush,” she says. With increased research in manuka honey and growing popularity worldwide, many brands have started labelling honey from other countries as manuka, so be mindful of what you’re buying to make sure it’s legitimate.

LOOK AT THE LOGO

“Manuka’s quality is defined by two key characteristics, its Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) and its levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), both of which are given a number, with the higher number representing the higher antibacterial action,” Peta explains. “UMF is only found on honey from New Zealand as it is independently tested by the UMF Honey Association to ensure you are receiving a quality product. The levels start from 5+ and go up to 20-25+. A 5+ manuka honey is great to include in your daily routine, in your tea or drizzled in yoghurt. For a sore throat, reach for 8-10+.”

SUSS OUT THE SHELF LIFE

“Manuka honey is safe for the whole family, from one-year-olds onwards, and it has a five-year shelf life,” says Peta. “Honey has even been found in the pyramids and was still edible!”

* Aussie honey producers are fighting for the right to use the official manuka trademark.