In the world of natural remedies and wellness, few things hold the same mystical allure as Mānuka honey. Revered for its incredible healing properties, this golden elixir hails from the pristine landscapes of New Zealand, where the native Mānuka tree blooms. However, not all Mānuka honey is created equal. The UMF grading was created by the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association in order to give consumers the peace of mind to know that UMF certified Mānuka honey meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Understanding the Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF) grading system is key to selecting the perfect UMF rating for your needs.

New Zealand UMF™ Rating

Each Mānuka honey product that carries the UMF™ trademark must pass stringent quality, grading, and rating tests set by the UMFHA. The UMF grading system is a rigorous process based on a 4-factor Quality Assurance System, ensuring that you receive genuine, high-quality Mānuka honey. All UMF honey is tested for:

1. MGO (Methylglyoxal): MGO is the naturally occurring compound responsible for Mānuka honey's potent antibacterial properties. Higher MGO levels indicate stronger antibacterial activity.
2. Leptosperin: This component confirms that the honey is genuine Mānuka, derived from the Leptospermum scoparium plant, and native to New Zealand.
3. HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): HMF levels are checked to ensure the honey's freshness and that it has not been overheated or stored for extended periods.
4. DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): DHA levels are crucial for confirming the honey’s shelf life, as DHA converts into MGO over time, enhancing the honey’s potency.

By adhering to these rigorous standards, consumers can trust that they are purchasing authentic, high-quality New Zealand Mānuka honey that remains potent and effective throughout its shelf life.

The Importance of Packaging in New Zealand

UMF honey must be packed in New Zealand, a critical detail for ensuring the honey's authenticity. Since honey cannot be imported into New Zealand, any honey packed within the country is guaranteed to be 100% New Zealand honey. This is especially reassuring given that honey is the second most adulterated food product in the world. Knowing that your Mānuka honey has not been blended with other types of honey and is fully traceable adds an extra layer of confidence in your purchase.

Understanding UMF & MGO

When selecting UMF honey, you'll notice both a UMF and an MGO number on the label. While MGO measures the antibacterial potency of the honey, the UMF rating is a comprehensive stamp of authority that authenticates the honey’s potency, purity, freshness, and New Zealand origin.

MGO (Methylglyoxal) is a key bioactive compound found in Mānuka honey, renowned for its remarkable health-promoting properties. MGO contributes to the unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of Mānuka honey. The concentration of MGO in Mānuka honey can vary, and it is often used to quantify the honey's strength and effectiveness. Higher levels of MGO are associated with more potent honey, making it a valuable component of grading systems like UMF.

UMF (Unique Mānuka Factor) is a specialized grading system used to evaluate the quality and authenticity of Mānuka honey. UMF is crucial for consumers looking to purchase high-quality Mānuka honey, as it provides a reliable measure of the four unique markers that are characteristic of genuine Mānuka honey. The UMF rating, which ranges from UMF 5+ to UMF 20+ or higher, indicates the honey's potential health benefits, with higher UMF numbers corresponding to a more potent and beneficial product. 

It’s crucial not to confuse UMF honey with products that only list an MGO number on the label. While MGO is an important indicator of antibacterial strength, it doesn’t provide the same assurance of overall quality, authenticity, and origin as the UMF rating, as it is only one factor (and UMF measures four factors). 

Additionally, UMF honey is guaranteed to be packed in New Zealand, whereas MGO-labeled honey could be packed elsewhere, meaning that it may not necessarily meet the MPI Manuka Honey standard. This is a scientific set of tests established by the New Zealand government to authenticate Mānuka Honey and verify if it is monofloral or multifloral Mānuka Honey.

Choosing the Right UMF Level

The higher the UMF rating, the stronger the antibacterial properties of the honey. This also means that Mānuka honey with a higher UMF rating has a greater ability to combat bacterial infections.

At Taylor Pass Honey, we offer a range of UMF grade honey to suit your specific needs:

• UMF 5+ | MGO 83+: Ideal for daily use, offering general wellness support.
• UMF 10+ | MGO 263+: Provides a stronger antibacterial boost, perfect for enhancing immunity.
• UMF 15+ | MGO 514+: A highly potent option, suitable for more targeted uses, such as treating wounds or soothing sore throats.

Why Choose Mānuka Honey?

Mānuka honey is renowned for its exceptional healing abilities, making it a staple in natural medicine. Mānuka honey contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial properties that can help support digestive health, wound healing, sore throat relief, immune system support and skincare conditions. The higher the UMF rating, the more antibacterial qualities the honey holds, making it a powerful ally in promoting health and wellness.

At Taylor Pass Honey, our UMF® Mānuka Honey range is guaranteed to have a Unique Mānuka Factor of 5+ or higher. Our honey is 100% pure, independently tested, and packed in New Zealand, ensuring you receive the highest quality product.