Magical Mānuka
It doesn't take long to get scientific when it comes to Mānuka. Mānuka honey is unique due to its strong antibacterial properties and high antioxidants. The antibacterial properties are largely from a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO).
Put simply, MGO is what makes Mānuka honey special. Mānuka honey with higher levels of MGO is rarer and has stronger therapeutic properties.
Higher MGO number = more powerful honey
Mānuka is monofloral honey. Meaning, it comes from one flower only.
Mānuka honey comes exclusively from the flowers of the Mānuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). It’s an evergreen shrub native to Aotearoa, New Zealand. It comes into flower between September and January, depending on the seasonal climate.
Our Māunka honey is a rare resource
The Mānuka starts flowering first in the North Cape moves down the country to the Central plateau and Whanganui. The highest quality Mānuka honey comes from the golden triangle. The bees choose the flowers they forage nectar from, so there is no guarantee that we will collect pure manuka honey. The Mānuka tree only flowers for a short time once a year. If the weather is poor, it could be less, or not at all. We only get one chance to harvest it. We have to make sure our bees are healthy and strong enough to take advantage of this short window in the early spring.
Mānuka honey is unique due to its strong antibacterial properties and high antioxidants. These properties are largely from a compound called methylglyoxal or MGO.
Methylglyoxal is derived from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a compound found in the nectar of the Mānuka tree . Over time, DHA converts into MGO during the honey’s aging and storage process. Our best Special reserve Mānuka is aged for years to grow its MGO levels.
The MGO scale as a measurement system is an easy and effective method to show the strength of antibacterial properties of the honey. It’s a direct measurement of the concentration of Methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). So, for example - MGO 600+ means the honey contains at least 600 mg of MGO per kg. Higher MGO values indicate stronger antibacterial properties and the rarer the honey.
How to use your Mānuka honey
Each MGO strength lends itself to different uses, from everyday wellness to more targeted therapeutic support. Mānuka honey can be eaten as part of your daily health rituals, or applied topically to support skin health and healing. As MGO levels rise, so too do the intensity of benefits. Higher MGO honeys are often reserved for deeper wellness support.
Here’s a guide on how to weave the benefits of Mānuka into your daily life, and choose the strength that's right for you.
Health Benefits of our Mānuka Honey
The MGO and naturally occuring hydrogen peroxide present in Manuka work as a natural antibacterial, encouraging healing by soothing inflammation. This makes it great for dressing wounds at any stage of healing, from a touch of sunburn to intense medical wound dressings.
What really made manuka honey famous was the discovery that high MGO was effective against a notorious antibiotic resistant bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Medical treatment often involves a course of several antibiotics at the same time to prevent bacterial mutation and Increased antibiotic resistance. Although this antibiotic treatment is effective, it is also extremely detrimental to our microbiome, Affecting our gut health. Manuka honey is a wonderful naturally occurring remedy that aids gut health, promoting levels of good bacteria (like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium), while keeping bad bacteria ( like H. pylori and C. difficile) at bay.
Mānuka has proven to be effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial nature. means it is useful to support immunity before sickness and may help reduce symptoms of a sore throat, coughs and colds.
The antibacterial properties of mānuka mean it is effective in reducing bacteria in blemishes and acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties also mean it can reduce redness and soothe inflamed skin caused by acne and eczema. Spot high MGO (400+ to 550+) manuka directly onto acne or apply in a face mask to the entire face(wash off after 5-10 minutes)
Mānuka honey is a natural, fast-absorbing source of energy — perfect for fueling a hike or trail run. Its unique mix of glucose and fructose means it provides both an immediate energy lift and longer-lasting fuel. Unlike processed energy gels, Manuka is gentle on the stomach and packed with more than just sugar — it contains trace nutrients, enzymes, and MGO, a natural antibacterial compound that supports overall health.
Classic Manuka MGO 100 - 150
Our everyday manuka
- Fortify your immunity by adding to your daily wellness routine. It's great on toast,in smoothies or as a substitute to refined sugar in your baking and cooking.
- Apply topically to low level skin irritation, blemishes and wounds.
Premier Manuka 300-350
Our premium manuka
- Great for fighting off colds and other bacterial infections, Winter Immune fortification, and digestive health.
- Add it to your skin care routine as a facemask or cleanser.
Special Reserve Mānuka 400MGO to 600MGO and above
Top shelf
- Our most powerful honey with the strongest antimicrobial effects!
- Help fight chronic infection, provide intense support for your immune system and gut health.
- A helpful addition to your skincare routine. Target acne, dermatitis and eczema
We don't add any bad stuff and we don't take away any good stuff, simple.
