Manuka Honey – Origin, Varieties, and Key Statistics

Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and is produced by bees that collect nectar from the manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium). This plant grows wild in New Zealand's coastal and bush regions and only blooms for a few weeks each year, making the harvest of pure Manuka nectar time-limited and labour-intensive. The Māori, New Zealand's indigenous people, have been using the Manuka plant for generations and continue to pass on their knowledge of the plant and its traditional uses to this day. Pure Gold Manuka Honey is sourced directly from New Zealand's Manuka beehives and independently tested for its key characteristics.

Authentic Manuka Honey with a Certified MGO Rating

Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and is produced by bees that collect nectar from the manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium). This plant grows wild in New Zealand's coastal and bush regions and only blooms for a few weeks each year, making the harvest of pure Manuka nectar time-limited and labour-intensive. The Māori, New Zealand's indigenous people, have been using the Manuka plant for generations and continue to pass on their knowledge of the plant and its traditional uses to this day. Pure Gold Manuka Honey is sourced directly from New Zealand's Manuka beehives and independently tested for its key characteristics.

What is Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is a monofloral honey, meaning it's primarily made from the nectar of a single plant species – the manuka flower. This sets it apart from ordinary blossom honey, which is made from the nectar of various plants. Depending on the harvest, its colour and consistency vary from light brown to dark brown, and its texture ranges from creamy to slightly crystalline.

MGO and UMF – an overview of the key figures

Manuka honey is classified using standardised indicators that determine its origin and purity:

MGO (Methylglyoxal): Indicates the content of the compound methylglyoxal in mg per kg of honey, which is found in comparatively high concentrations in Manuka honey. The higher the number, the higher the measured content (e.g., MGO 300, MGO 525).
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor): A New Zealand quality seal system that combines several parameters (including methylglyoxal, leptosperin, and DHA) to confirm the authenticity and purity of Manuka honey.

Both systems are purely indicators of quality and authenticity. They describe the product's composition but make no claims about its health benefits.

Origin and production

Genuine Manuka honey is produced exclusively in New Zealand (and in parts of Australia). After harvesting, it typically undergoes the following steps:

Harvest by licensed beekeepers during the short Manuka flowering period
Gentle processing to preserve the honey's natural composition
Laboratory analysis to determine MGO and/or UMF values
Certification and batch labelling that enables traceability back to the beehive

How to recognise genuine Manuka honey

A verified MGO or UMF value indicated on the label
Indication of origin: New Zealand
Batch number for traceability
Independent seal of approval or laboratory certificate

Use

Manuka honey can be used just like regular honey:

on its own or as a spread
to sweeten tea or cold drinks (avoid boiling water to preserve the ingredients)
in cold dishes, dressings, or muesli

Storage

Manuka honey should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from light. When tightly sealed, it remains enjoyable for a long time; slight crystallisation is a natural process and doesn't affect its quality.