The Wonders of Manuka Honey

 

I remember it like it was yesterday when I first read my copy of Gorgeously Green, by the lovely Sophie Uliano, and came across a chapter mentioning a special honey whose name I had no clue how to pronounce. I wondered to myself, "What the heck is a MA-NU-KA Active Factor?"

Manuka honey isn’t your average honey. Aside from being savored with the most exquisite teas, it can also be used on cuts, wounds, for sore throats, acid reflux and to kill bacteria that causes excess stomach acid.

The honey is also antifungal and has natural antibiotic properties.

The 'Manuka' Factor refers to the percentage of antiseptic solution contained inside the honey. So, when you see Active 16+ printed on the label, it means that the product contains a naturally occurring antiseptic solution of 16%.

Now, I have tried a few brands of Manuka honey before, but this brand impressed me very much. The texture was thick, but smooth and had real definition to it. The taste was complex and sweet. It was so much better than any other honey I had. I don't know if my brain automatically thought: Higher Price Tag=Yummier. But, I can really assure you that it blew me away.

The Wedderspoon Manuka Honey is raw, certified organic and comes from the South Island of New Zealand where bees feed and pollinate the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium).

(FYI: Be aware that there are some companies based in New Zealand that use heavy pesticides to produce their Manuka honey. Only trust certified brands and just to be safe, check out the companies' website. They often have a wealth of information under 'FAQs')

I like to use it in my morning tea or oatmeal, but it is such a universal product that there really is no wrong way to use it. Some people use it for a luxurious facial mask, swearing it cured their acne. Others give it to their kids to prevent the flu virus. The biological structure of this stuff is awesome.

You can buy the honey at local natural food stores or online (http://www.wedderspoon.com). If you don't fancy online shopping, don't be shy to ask your natural food specialist to order a stock for you (plus you'll stun them with your sweet knowledge).

While you're at it, check out their Manuka Lozenges (I swear by the Organic Manuka Active 15+ Lemon and Ginger), Lip Balms, Non-Toxic Perfumes and Soaps. They also carry other delicious honey flavours like the Wild Dandelion Honey, one of my favourites!