Which type of Manuka honey is better: monofloral vs multifloral varieties
Manuka honey is a highly sought-after elixir, capturing the attention of health-conscious individuals and scientists for its health-giving benefits. Pure Manuka honey is a dark monofloral honey rich in phenolic content and is gaining much attention for its antimicrobial activity.
While New Zealand only has 1 Manuka species, there are over 80 varieties of Manuka trees and shrubs native to Australia due to the country’s unique geography and climate. This potent honey has gained acclaim for its unique medicinal properties and unparalleled flavour.
However, due to its exclusivity and rising demand, the price of Manuka honey tends to be many times higher than other raw and organic honey varieties. As the global honey market faces challenges of adulteration, ensuring the purity of Manuka honey becomes vital for consumers.
Consumers want to be reassured that the Manuka honey they are purchasing is pure and authentic, therefore Manuka honey producers must be transparent about their honey-producing practices.
Determining the purity of Manuka honey: Australia Unique Leptospermum Factor (ULF)
To ensure the purity of Manuka honey, the Australian Unique Leptospermum Factor (ULF) is a trusted marker for measuring authenticity.
These factors rely on key components such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), methylglyoxal (MGO) and non-peroxide activity (NPA) present in the honey to assess its remedial properties.
MGO strength is what determines the grading of honey. The higher the MGO number, the greater the potency and medicinal value. Then there is also the distinction between the variety of Manuka honey – monofloral or multifloral.
Varieties of Manuka honey – monofloral and multifloral
The distinction between monofloral and multifloral honey lies in the source of nectar gathered by the bees. The different types of honey are complex and varied – in colour, flavour, texture and bioactivity levels.
Pure Manuka honey is monofloral. This means the honey is mostly derived from the nectar of a single specific flower, in this case, the short-season flowers of Manuka bushes. These bushes belong to the Leptospermum species, part of the Tea Tree family, and are better known in Australia as the Jellybush.
In contrast, multifloral honey results from bees collecting nectar from various flowers, creating a blended honey with diverse flavours and characteristics. Multifloral varieties may also include Manuka but are essentially made up of honey from bees that have gathered nectar from a variety of different flowers.
Does monofloral honey hold more health benefits than multifloral varieties?
The debate between monofloral and multifloral honey varieties centres on the potency of their activity and the associated health benefits. While multifloral honey may be rich in bioactive compounds, minerals, and antioxidants from various sources, monofloral Manuka honey takes the lead with its powerful antibacterial-strength medicinal properties beneficial for a variety of health conditions, backed by numerous clinical trials published in peer-reviewed science journal.
Dr. Nural Cokcetin, a researcher in microbiology at the University of Technology Sydney, emphasises the antibacterial and prebiotic properties of monofloral Manuka honey. This unique honey is currently being explored for potential treatments against drug-resistant superbugs and improvements in gut health.
Is Biosota Manuka honey monofloral?
While multifloral honey has many nutrients and bioactive benefits, monofloral honey is regarded as the pinnacle for health and healing. Australian monofloral Manuka honey requires that over 50% of the nectar be derived from one floral source of manuka trees.
A good indication of this is the MGO potency of the honey. Strengths of MGO 250+ and above can be considered a reliable indication of pure concentrations of Manuka nectar present.
To ensure that our Manuka honey is monofloral, we carefully select the placement of our hives and the exact time of year they’re positioned to ensure they take full advantage of the short but abundant 2-6 week flowering seasons of the rare Manuka species that produce the highest medicinal grade honey in the world. The result is a rare and pure monofloral Manuka honey, meeting the strict requirements set by Australian organic honey rules.
Our dedication to sustainability and ecological awareness ensures that the Manuka honey we produce is not only of the highest quality and purity but is also free of glyphosate and other toxic chemicals. Our medicinal range of Manuka honey is made from the nectar of manuka flowers and holds ratings from 300 MGO to 2100+ MGO.
Our commitment to pure monofloral Manuka honey
At Biosota, we adhere to rigorous standards to ensure that our monofloral Manuka honey meets the scientific and legal classifications as an organic and raw monofloral honey product. Accredited labs in Australia and New Zealand test different batches of our honey, providing consumers with accurate information on efficacy, immunity boosting MGO levels and strength.
The choice between monofloral and multifloral Manuka honey ultimately depends on individual preferences and health goals. While multifloral honey offers a nutritious and delectable substitute for processed sugar, monofloral Manuka honey stands as the ultimate choice for those seeking optimal wellness effects.
As the scientific community continues to explore and uncover the benefits of monofloral Manuka honey, it remains a beacon of health and purity in the world of natural remedies.
References:
- Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview
- Australian manuka honey as powerful as its NZ cousin
- Health Benefits of Manuka Honey as an Essential Constituent for Tissue Regeneration
- The Antibacterial Activity of Australian Leptospermum Honey Correlates with Methylglyoxal Levels
- The Composition and Biological Activity of Honey: A Focus on Manuka Honey
- The Potential of Honey as a Prebiotic Food to Re-engineer the Gut Microbiome Toward a Healthy State
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Authenticating Australian Manuka honey
- What is the Mark of Authenticity?