What is Manuka Honey? Everything You Need to Know

What is Manuka Honey? Everything You Need to Know

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a rare type of honey made by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), a plant native to New Zealand. While all honey has natural benefits, Manuka stands out thanks to its unique properties — and growing recognition around the world for its potential health benefits.

What Makes It So Special?

Unlike regular honey, Manuka honey contains a naturally occurring compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). This is the key to its antibacterial power — and the higher the MGO level, the stronger the honey's bioactivity.

Not all Manuka honey is created equal. Authentic, high-quality Manuka is:

  • Produced exclusively in New Zealand

  • Tested in independent labs for its MGO content

  • Unblended and raw — just as nature intended

A Natural Remedy with Deep Roots

For centuries, the Manuka bush has been valued in traditional Māori medicine. Today, Manuka honey continues that legacy. Whether it's stirred into tea or applied to skin, it’s used by people around the world for its naturally soothing properties.

Types of Manuka Honey

There are two broad types you’ll find:

  • Monofloral Manuka – made mostly from Manuka nectar, with higher MGO levels

  • Multifloral Manuka – blended with nectar from other wildflowers, generally milder and more affordable

At Gold Fern Honey, we produce both — always raw, always tested, and always straight from our hives in New Zealand.

Why People Use Manuka Honey

Many people choose Manuka honey for:

  • Supporting a healthy immune system

  • Soothing sore throats and coughs

  • Daily wellness rituals

  • Natural skincare

It’s not just about what it does — it’s also about where it comes from. We believe in small-batch honey, transparency, and traceability. That’s why every jar we sell is lab-tested, rated for MGO content, and traceable right back to the hive.

Final Thoughts

Manuka honey isn’t just another sweetener — it’s a natural product with a story. From its wild origins in New Zealand to the independent testing that guarantees its strength, Manuka honey offers something truly special.

Want to try it for yourself? Explore our raw, MGO-rated Manuka honey HERE.