Apr 19 , 2024
What is Manuka Honey
What is Manuka Honey
Since ancient times, honey has been utilized for treating various ailments. It wasn't until the late 19th century that researchers uncovered its natural antibacterial properties.
Honey serves as a shield against bacterial damage, and certain types even enhance the production of specialized cells that aid in tissue repair post-infection. For instance, Manuka honey possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and inflammation.
Nevertheless, honey's antibacterial trait varies depending on its type, harvest time, and harvesting method, with some varieties being up to 100 times more potent than others.
Let's learn more about Manuka honey
Origin of Manuka
The Manuka tree is indigenous to New Zealand, it has a strong, earthy aroma and flavor. The word Manuka is the Māori name of the tree.
Manuka honey is rarer because collecting it is not as simple as other types of honey. It’s impossible to make bees only go to a specific plant. Because they will take what’s closest to the hives, and have to be located in areas densely populated by Manuka trees to ensure that’s all the bees are collecting.
Not to mention, Manuka trees only flower for a short period every year, approximately 2-6 weeks so there’s a limited time to it. And the amount of honey made each year can also be influenced by weather conditions and how much nectar the flowers produce.
Components of Manuka Honey
Honey antibiotic quality comes from hydrogen peroxide. But some types of honey, including Manuka honey, have its own unique antimicrobial qualities.
Manuka honey is considered a monofloral honey, made mostly from the nectar of one kind of flower. In this case, its Manuka flower. Traditional honey is are mostly polyfloral honey, where the nectar comes from various different flowers.
The beehives are located in extremely remote areas, requiring our beekeepers to possess exceptional 4x4 navigation abilities. This preparation is essential because situations arise where they find themselves isolated or stranded overnight due to rising rivers or abrupt weather changes, leading to unplanned overnight stays in their vehicles.
TranzAlpine Honey exclusively employs renewable, carbon-neutral, and sustainable wooden honey frames and beehives. These structures not only keep the bees warm during winter but also contribute to their longevity.
When it's time for harvest, the frames are carefully removed from the hives and transported to the production facility. There, they are stored in a warm environment, mirroring the natural temperature of the beehives, for 12 hours prior to extraction.
Manuka's Organic Packaging Practice
In organic honey extraction, there's no utilization of heat or chemicals. Unlike conventional methods that pre-heat honey to temperatures above 30°C. This organic approach protect manuka's unique antioxidant properties and natural enzymes, which can degrade with excessive heat.
The extraction process involves spinning the honey off the frames, followed by transferring it to a creaming tank for a 12-hour spin. This creaming process lends the honey a softer, buttery texture while retaining all its benefits.
After that, the creamed honey is packed into 100% Recycled PET or BPA-free glass jars, depending on customer preferences, before shipping. This ensures that the honey reaches you in its purest form, just as nature intended, from our family to yours, following traditional methods.
Manuka Honey Benefits
Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties are what set it apart from other honey. It contains methylglyoxal (MGO) as an active ingredient, which is responsible for these antibacterial effects. Additionally, Manuka honey has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.
It has traditionally been used for wound healing, soothing sore throats, preventing tooth decay, and improving digestive issues.
Here are 4 health benefits of Manuka honey.
