Tag: Mgo vs umf

Recent research reveals significant genetic differences between the manuka plants of New Zealand and Australia, resulting in distinct honey characteristics. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone wondering what's the difference between Australian manuka honey and New Zealand manuka honey.

The average jar of regular honey contains very low or undetectable levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO), but a jar of Manuka honey with a 500 MGO rating indicates a very high concentration of this potent antibacterial compound. This number provides a clear, scientifically-backed measure of the honey's strength and effectiveness for targeted health uses.

Over 80% of honey labelled as Manuka outside of New Zealand is potentially counterfeit, which makes understanding what the UMF numbers mean on Manuka honey crucial for verifying a genuine, high-quality product. These numbers are part of a certified grading system that ensures the honey's authenticity and potency.