FYI- MANUKA HONEY WITH UMF IS DIFFERENT FROM HONEY WITH ACTIVE.
SOME Q&A ABSTRACTED FROM WEBSITE
UMF® = Unique Manuka Factor
The trademark UMF® is a quality mark that represents the testing of the Non-Peroxide Activity in honey using various test methods. Underpinning this, AMHA uses a range of biological and chemical methods and the approved testing laboratories are accredited and have international standing and recognition.
www.umf.org.nz
Active Manuka Honey = Total Activity (mainly from peroxide activity)
Active Manuka honey is tested by a certified independent laboratory for its total activity which relates to predominantly the levels of naturally occurring Peroxide Activity.
UMF® Honey
The UMF® Honey trademark is:
- A Quality Trademark
- Internationally Recognizable
- Internationally Verifiable
- The only quality standard behind the research on Manuka Honey Leptospermum scoparium
The UMF® found only in selective Manuka honey describes the anti-bacterial property (from non peroxide activity), sought after for its qualities that support the body's natural health and wellbeing. Independent laboratory testing determines the UMF® value after the honey is packaged. The higher the UMF level, the higher the level of anti-bacterial benefits.
Besides the health promoting properties this product has wide appeal as a pleasurable eating experience! The dark cream to dark brown honey produced by the bees from the nectar of the flowers has a distinctive taste profile: slightly bitter, mineral, herbaceous.
UMF is the registered name and trademark of The UMF® Honey Association (formally AMHA) and can be used only by licensed users who meet set criteria which include regular monitoring and auditing of the quality of their honey. UMF Manuka Honey from a New Zealand company licensed to use the name UMF, and labelled in the licensee’s name, is the only honey guaranteed to have the special UMF healing property and be of the same quality as that referred to in the research and clinical trials. Honey New Zealand licence number is 1043. (
www.umf.org.nz)
The UMF Honey trademark is:
- A Quality Trademark
- Internationally Recognizable
- Internationally Verifiable
- The only quality standard behind the research on Manuka Honey Leptospermum scoparium
UMF Ratings?
0 - 4: Not detectable
5 - 9: Maintenance Level
10 - 14: Suitable for therapeutic usage
15 and higher: Superior levels with very high activity levels for therapeutic usage
What is UMF Manuka honey?
Manuka is a unique evergreen tree, native to New Zealand. Its intensely scented flowers bloom in summer and bees absolutely love them. The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) found only in selective Manuka honey describes the anti-bacterial property, sought after for its qualities that support health and wellbeing. Independent laboratory testing determines the UMF value after the honey is packaged. The higher the level of UMF, the higher the level of anti-bacterial benefits.
What are the natural health benefits of UMF Manuka honey?
“Manuka honey is a natural medicine.” Dr Peter Molan (University of Waikato, New Zealand)
UMF Manuka honey can be taken by eating from a spoon. Its anti-bacterial activity has an equivalent concentration to phenol (a common antiseptic). It supports the body’s own immune defences, can help soothe the throat and can assist digestive health.
The active ingredients and anti-oxidants in Honey New Zealand products can also be used for added vitality, oral health, an active immunity or can assist digestive health.
What is the difference between ‘UMF’ & ‘Active’ Manuka Honey?
Not all Manuka honey has UMF (Non peroxide) activity and we differentiate this by using the names UMF Manuka and Active Manuka Honey.
UMF Manuka Honey guarantees a Non Peroxide activity . This in turn is measured against a standard Phenol (antiseptic/anti bacterial) solution to gauge the relative strength of the Non Peroxide activity against Phenol. So, UMF 20+ guarantees antibacterial Non Peroxide Activity (UMF) level of 20+.
For example, Honey New Zealand's Active 20+ honey guarantees honey's total antibacterial activity level of 20+. This Total Activity is mostly from the Hydrogen Peroxide activity of honey (as opposed to the Non Peroxide Activity of UMF Honey).
Both Total (Active) and Non Peroxide (UMF) activities are tested by certified independent lab in New Zealand.
UMF is more stable over time, does not break down with heat, light or body enzymes and may even grow in strength over time.