Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive?
Among the most expensive kinds of honey in the world is Manuka Honey. This prized honey can sell for hundreds of dollars per jar. Many customers ask why Manuka honey is so expensive. Read this post to discover what drives the cost of Manuka honey and why it is worth it.
In this article, we will show you how the difficulty of harvesting and the scarcity of supply drives up the cost of Manuka. We discuss the benefits of Manuka Honey and the properties that make it the most sought-after honey on the planet.
Manuka Harvest
Manuka Honey is made from nectar collected by bees from the blooms of the Manuka tree. The Manuka tree only grows in New Zealand. Therefore, Manuka is rare honey. Manuka trees only bloom for a few weeks each year. Because of this, production is limited.
Most years, the bloom takes place in January or February. Beekeepers move their hives early to give the bees an opportunity to forage the precious crop. Often times helicopters are used to move hives because of the remote locations of the Manuka forests. The hives are checked frequently and the honey is harvested quickly once the bees cap a majority of the wax combs. This ensures fresh, high-quality honey.
Characteristics of Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is dark with a slightly bitter taste. Because it is raw honey it may crystallize over time. This does not affect the quality of the honey. Warming the honey will return it to a liquid state. Manuka honey has high concentrations of methylglyoxal or MGO. This is what gives the honey its strong healing properties.
How MGO Works
Lab tests of Manuka Honey verify the level of MGO it contains. Based on the results of these tests the honey receives an MGO score ranging from MGO 50+ to MGO 1356+. The higher the rating the more methylglyoxal the honey contains.
Scientists believe that MGO acts as a natural antibiotic. For the past several decades scientists have been testing Manuka Honey against various strains of bacteria. They have found the honey to be effective at reducing nearly every strain of bacteria. Furthermore, Manuka Honey was able to destroy bacteria that were resistant to antibiotics. Scientists have yet to discover any bacteria that are resistant to honey.
Benefits of Manuka Honey
Here is a list of just a few of the many benefits of Manuka Honey:
- Manuka Honey is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants support well-being by binding to free radicals in the body. This slows down cellular damage or prevents it altogether.
- Manuka Honey is moisturizing and nourishing to the skin. It can balance your skin’s pH levels and remove dead cells to improve the appearance of your skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it effective against acne.
- Manuka Honey reduces bacteria in the mouth and gums for improved oral hygiene. Unlike refined sugar, honey does not promote tooth decay.
- When taken internally Manuka Honey provides a natural burst of energy to enhance workouts.
Medical Uses
Applying Manuka Honey to cuts and scrapes aids healing and reduces the chance of infection. Placing honey on the bandage or wound dressing prevents sticking.
Manuka Honey has been especially effective at treating burns. Hospitals use it in place of Silver Sulfadiazine to aid wound healing and tissue regeneration. A study in 2011 showed Manuka Honey to be more effective in treating burn victims than Silver Sulfadiazine cream. The results confirmed Manuka Honey dressings made the wounds sterile in less time, enhanced healing, and reduced scarring when compared to Silver Sulfadiazine.
Try Manuka Honey
It is clear that Manuka Honey has many health benefits. Whether you are an athlete looking to enhance your performance, a model looking to tone and polish your skin, or a mother looking to dress a child’s wound – you can find help and healing with Manuka Honey.
Fortunately, World of Honey makes it easy to find just the right Manuka Honey! They offer genuine Raw Manuka Honey imported from New Zealand in three popular grades. There is D’urville Island Manuka harvested by Master Beekeeper Jeff Lukey and lab-certified as MGO 152+. Also, New Zealand Honey Company MGO 263+ Manuka from pristine locations around Aotearoa.
Finally, they offer a Limited Reserve Manuka Honey which is one of the rarest types of honey on earth. The Whenua Manuka features an impressive MGO 1200+ rating. It makes an ideal gift for a true honey connoisseur who has tried everything. Supplies of these jars of honey are limited, so order today!
