Manuka honey and raw honey are two separate products. Manuka honey refers to honey that comes from a specific plant in Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, raw honey may be sourced from many different types of flowers.
The higher grades of manuka honey are typically monofloral, which means the honey was made exclusively with the nectar of manuka flowers. They're often raw and less processed, which protects the natural good stuff. “Regular” honey doesn't refer to any specific type of honey.
For everyday eating, regular honey can add sweetness to plenty of delicious foods with benefits of its own. So although manuka may be worth a try, it's probably won't replace the classic jar in your pantry.
Raw Honey will often have pieces of pollen or wax mixed in with the lack of processing. Manuka Honey can be in the form of Raw Honey, but this honey has been produced by using the flowers of the Manuka tree. This tree grows in extremely remote and rugged terrain throughout New Zealand.
Overall, the healthiest type of honey is raw, unprocessed honey, as there are no additives or preservatives. This article was medically reviewed by Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, nutrition and wellness expert with a private practice based in New York City.
In terms of the taste and nutritional benefits, we recommend choosing raw honey out of all your options. Raw honey has the highest amount of pollen and nutritional compounds, which means that it is the most beneficial choice for your health. (Learn more about how and why honey is good for you.)
Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option. Let's draw some inspiration from Oscar Wilde here. “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”
Both raw honey and manuka honey contain phenolic compounds known for their anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies show manuka honey can more effectively reduce inflammation in the throat and lungs, and even the brain.
Kanuka honey has even been hailed as the “new super honey” due to its healing qualities. It shows particularly promising results as a topical treatment for skin disorders. Some scientists claim that some Kanuka honey has even higher levels of MGO than Manuka honey.
Manuka honey is more expensive than most other honey because it is rare and only produced in Australia and New Zealand. The flowers the bees collect the nectar from, to make Manuka honey are from the Leptospermum family, which is native to Australia. Farming Manuka honey costs more to produce than other honeys.
While Australian manuka honey may also have benefits, it isn't as well-researched and regulated. New Zealand Manuka comes only from the leptosperum scoparium plant, commonly known as the Manuka plant, while Australian manuka can come from any plant in the leptosperum species.
Manuka honey is a unique type of honey that's produced only in New Zealand by European honey bees that pollinate the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). It's considered by many experts to be one of the most beneficial forms of honey in the world.
Manuka honey boasts many natural, beneficial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These are all valuable when it comes to treating a range of diseases and your overall well-being.
For the sake of prudence, people who are allergic to pollen or with severe seasonal allergies (hay fever) are not advised to eat raw honey. Grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat, and honey with bitter or astringent taste should be discarded.
Although you can add it to smoothies, oatmeal or yoghurt, the best way to take Manuka Honey is straight from the jar. It is recommended to take it once in the morning and once at night. It is safe to have 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 mL) of Manuka Honey daily, but always remember to moderate how much you consume.
Most sore throats tend to get better within a week, but during that time, adults can take a spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of honey for a cough and sore throat. You can also dilute half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea. This method is also recommended for children older than 1.
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.
Manuka Honey can be consumed in various ways depending on personal preference. Taking it directly off the spoon is the most effective way as it won't dilute until it reaches the stomach. Manuka Honey can also be added to warm or cold water, or used as a sweetener in tea or coffee.
One of the great things about being a honey lover is there are so many ways you can eat it, and Manuka honey from New Zealand is no different. From supercharging your breakfasts, stirring into hot drinks, or simply taken off the spoon every morning or night – there is no right or wrong way to take Manuka honey.
Ideally, honey should be stored at room temperature, so keep it away from stoves and other kitchen appliances that generate heat. You should also refrain from putting it in the fridge, as this can cause it to thicken and change its texture.
Honey contains vital nutrients
Honey is a brown, sticky, sugar-saturated solution made by bees. Health benefits of eating a spoonful of honey everyday include diabetes management, cancer management, better heart health, and other benefits.
When it's stored properly, honey never goes bad, Grad said in an interview with Allrecipes. "Honey will darken and/or crystallize, but it is still safe to eat," she said. Metal or plastic containers can oxidize the honey, and heat can change its flavor.