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Monofloral vs Multifloral Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is one of nature’s most powerful honey and is well known for its many benefits. It comes from the Manuka Bush, also known as Leptospermum scoparium, which is native to New Zealand and Australia. Although the Manuka bush blooms in abundance during its season, the flowers only bloom for a short period of time. This means there is only a limited supply and the bees have to move quickly to gather pollen. The Manuka Bush contains methylglyoxal (MGO) compounds, which have natural antibacterial properties. These properties are transferred to the Manuka Honey when bees collect the nectar and make the honey. Manuka Honey also has antiviral and antioxidant properties too! Manuka Honey can be Monofloral or Multifloral.
Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
- Helps wounds heal faster
- Boosts the immune system
- Soothes sore throats and irritation
- Improves overall digestion
- Helps to prevent ulcers in the stomach
- Treats and soothes acne outbreaks
There are two basic types of Manuka Honey; monofloral and multifloral Manuka Honey. It is important to know which honey is best for you! So, what is the difference?
Multifloral Manuka Honey
Multifloral Manuka Honey is made from the nectar of several different flowers, plants, or trees, as bees naturally travel from one plant variety to another, as shown in the image above, but it will still have a significant amount of Manuka pollen & Manuka Honey. Multifloral Manuka honey will, therefore, have a lower MGO and a lower activity rating and potency. It also still contains the beneficial antibacterial properties, vitamins, and minerals of Manuka honey, just in smaller amounts. This type of Manuka honey is ideal for daily use as it is also less expensive.
Monofloral Manuka Honey
On the other hand, Monofloral Manuka Honey is unique as it comes mainly from one nectar source – Manuka flowers! This makes it a purer form of Manuka Honey, with all the associated health benefits, which also makes it more expensive. As bees have a considerable flight distance and need variety in their diet, a honey will never be 100% from only one nectar source.
Testing Manuka Honey
Special tests are performed to confirm whether Manuka Honey is monofloral or multifloral. The New Zealand government department Ministry of Primary Industries is tasked with regulating the Manuka Honey industry. The MPI have after several years of scientific research and consulation, developed one test to ensure all Manuka Honey is tested to the same level to ensure Manuka Honey authenticity. These tests are carried out in MPI recognised laboratories only found in New Zealand. Monofloral Manuka Honey should show higher values for a two key chemical markers and 5 DNA markers – failure to obtain the higher values results in the manuka being deemed multifloral.
If you want to get really technical about it, check out the link to the MPI’s website:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/17374-manuka-honey-science-definition-infographic
Which Manuka Honey is right for you?
Both Monofloral and Multifloral Manuka Honey contain the beneficial antibacterial properties, vitamins, and minerals. However, people may have different uses for it. If you want to use Manuka honey on a daily basis to sweeten your tea or to use it in a recipe, then Multifloral Manuka honey is more affordable and will still support your immune system. Whereas, if Manuka Honey is essential for your health and wellbeing, you will likely be looking for Monofloral Manuka honey because it is richer in the concentration of those valuable enzymes to help your body, but, bear in mind this premium Manuka honey will cost a little more.
Our Wedderspoon Manuka Honey
As part of our Wedderspoon range we offer both Multifloral and Monofloral Manuka Honey of different sizes!
- Certified Genuine by the New Zealand Government Manuka scientific definition
- Raw & Unpasteurized – Our Manuka Honey is produced using a gentle, raw creaming process to maintain all of the naturally-occurring and beneficial wellness properties
- Free of Antibiotics, glyphosate & pesticides - Our Manuka Honey is tested to be free of antibiotics, glyphosate & pesticides, just as nature intended.
- Produced & Packaged in New Zealand – we take pride in harvesting, packaging, and labeling all jars of our Manuka Honey in New Zealand.
- Traceable from Hive to Home - Our Manuka Honeys are traceable back to our master beekeepers who harvested and tended to the hive.
- Non-GMO Project Verified
