Is Manuka Honey Raw?

Although it depends on the brand, manuka honey should usually be raw. Any processing or pasteurizing should be minimal. Otherwise, these processes are going to strip vital nutrients from the honey.

Some brands may sell processed manuka honey, but it is recommended to buy raw manuka honey.

Is Manuka Honey Raw?

When you buy manuka honey, it will most likely be raw. However, it is vital to find out what the company is doing during the harvesting and packaging process. Some companies will use more processing than others.

The problem with this is that processing manuka honey could remove many of its beneficial attributes. If the honey is processed too much, it may no longer provide any medicinal benefits.

Choosing authentic, raw manuka honey is the best way to ensure that you’re going to receive satisfactory results. The amount of processing can help you determine whether the honey is considered raw.

How To Tell If Manuka Honey Is Raw?

At the end of the day, you have to depend on the company to tell you the truth. After all, the company harvests and tests the product.

Nevertheless, there is one way to protect yourself from potential problems. For instance, you should make sure that you’re buying UMF-certified manuka honey.

The UMF Honey Association strives to protect the industry from problematic sellers. It does this by issuing licenses to companies that meet their requirements.

The independent body evaluates the company’s practices and its manuka honey to ensure that it can be certified.

Before a company’s product can become UMF certified, it has to pass four tests. These tests are designed to check the authenticity and potency of manuka honey.

Once the tests are finished, the UMF Honey Association will know whether the honey is authentic. It can also tell customers how potent the honey is.

The latter is based on the MGO or Methylglyoxal content of the honey. Regardless, buying UMF-certified manuka honey is the best way to ensure that you’re getting authentic, raw manuka honey.

If the company isn’t UMF-certified, stay away from its products because you’ll never know what you’re getting.

Is Manuka Honey Unpasteurized?

Again, the answer will depend on the brand in question. Every company is unique so some are going to process and pasteurize their products more than others.

In general, manuka honey is usually not pasteurized although it will be minimally processed. However, some companies will pasteurize their manuka honey products.

Many products that are marketed as being unpasteurized are still heated multiple times. They may be pasteurized at roughly 150 degrees.

Some companies claim that pasteurization will help eliminate any pollen, bacteria, and unwanted debris from their manuka honey.

Read the description carefully so you’ll know what you’re getting. To get the best results, choose manuka honey which has been handled very little.

Otherwise, the honey may not have any medicinal properties.

Why Should It Be Raw?

For medicinal uses, manuka honey should be raw and unpasteurized. After all, the difference between manuka honey and conventional honey is the concentrations of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Manuka honey has more than conventional honey. It also contains Methylglyoxal which is responsible for many of its health perks.

If the honey is thoroughly processed and pasteurized, there is a risk that it’ll lose its healing abilities.

Manuka honey has the most health benefits when it is unheated or minimally heated. Find out what the manufacturer is doing before buying its products.

Otherwise, you may not be getting beneficial manuka honey.

Raw Honey vs Manuka Honey: What’s The Difference?

Some people mistakenly believe that raw honey and manuka honey are the same. Although they share some similarities, there are vast differences.

In particular, manuka honey is produced from the flowers of manuka trees. Conventional honey is not. These trees are only found in rugged areas of New Zealand.

Hives are established in these areas. Once bees arrive and make honey, you’ll get manuka honey.

Manuka honey is must different than raw honey because it is rare and more expensive. Furthermore, it contains Methylglyoxal while conventional products do not.

Just remember that processing and pasteurizing can greatly reduce the Methylglyoxal content. With this in mind, it is best to buy raw manuka honey.

Why Does Methylglyoxal Matter?

When it comes to raw manuka honey, the most important thing is the Methylglyoxal content. Truthfully, the MGO content is what makes manuka honey so much better than other honey products.

The compound is responsible for the honey’s medicinal properties. It can allegedly help speed up the healing of wounds, boost immunity, and alleviate stomach aches.

One problem is that heating and pasteurizing the honey could remove the Methylglyoxal. Therefore, it is best to avoid processing manuka honey too much.

Otherwise, there is a risk that the beneficial properties will be removed.

Check with the company to ensure that it doesn’t process its manuka honey. Otherwise, you may not receive any benefits from the product.

What Are The Benefits Of Raw Manuka Honey?

Raw manuka honey can provide users with an array of benefits. However, it should be noted that the same benefits may not be provided by processed manuka honey.

The honey should be raw to ensure that you’re getting the best benefits. Furthermore, the potency of the honey will depend on its Methylglyoxal content.

With a higher MGO rating, raw manuka honey will provide bigger perks. Manuka honey can be used for topical purposes, such as treating acne, healing cuts, and dealing with burns.

It can also be ingested by adding it to your favorite recipes or eaten with a spoon. This type of honey has anti-inflammatory properties.

It can help deal with stomach aches. Furthermore, it is believed that raw manuka honey can boost the user’s immunity so they’ll be less likely to get sick.

Again, you may not get the same results from manuka honey that has been heated, processed, and pasteurized. For the best results, always choose raw manuka honey.

Why Is Processing Bad?

Processing can be problematic because it may remove the beneficial properties of manuka honey. This type of honey is so beneficial because it contains Methylglyoxal.

The compound is known to provide an array of health benefits such as boosting the user’s immune system. Unfortunately, some companies mistakenly process and pasteurize manuka honey.

If they do this, the MGO content will be significantly reduced. Furthermore, it may be removed completely.

Therefore, the user will not receive any medicinal benefits. If you’re interested in improving your health with manuka honey, it is pertinent to choose raw, unprocessed manuka honey.

The best way to avoid problems is by choosing a company with UMF-certified manuka honey. Then, you’ll know that the honey was rigorously tested for authenticity and potency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Know If Manuka Honey Is Raw?

Manuka honey is labeled to ensure consumers can identify the brand, as well as other specifics. If a consumer is shopping for Manuka honey, it is likely they know the difference between “pasteurized” and “raw.” 

The label identifies the type of Manuka honey. Key terms to look for include “organic,” “pure,” “pasteurized,” and “raw.” 

What Organization Is Responsible For Testing Manuka Honey?

The Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association “UMFHA” is an independent organization that tests Manuka honey. The organization currently has more than 150 certified members.