Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Monday, May 18, 2009

New Zealand Manuka Honey

Ever heard of Manuka Honey? I actually had never heard of it until recently, when my friend brought me some from a trip to New Zealand. I particularly love the texture of it as it is rich and creamy, the taste is less sweeter than normal honeys and it has a unique unforgettable aroma which stands out amongst the honey varieties I've tasted.

For those who have never heard of this product, it's a medical grade honey that is derived from the nectar of the flower which grows on Manuka trees that is native to New Zealand and is renowned for its amazing antioxidant and anti bacterial properties. As this product is unknown to me in some ways, I did a bit of research and discovered that it contains the most healing properties compared to normal honeys.

More interestingly, I also discover the resources of the rating system known as Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. The higher the rating, the more potent the honey. If something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. I know the good stuff with a UMF rating is relatively expensive to be given as souvenirs. Although the one that I got was just an ordinary manuka honey with no UMF trademark, but what the heck, sup it and enjoy it, and sure I have a nice looking souvenir jar at the end of it. :) I'm just thrilled to be able to get one from NZ.

I was told that Manuka honey is available in many Kiwi homes and is favoured by most honey fans. :D So people, if you ever visit NZ, don't forget to bring me back some of those tasty Manuka Honey.

Photo courtesy of Melissa. This is Manuka also known as New Zealand Tea Tree. Its leaves are small and prickly and its flowers bear white to pink coloured flowers.
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First Commenter - JL

29 comments:

  1. Hi LR,

    You can get Manuka Honey here in Malaysia too. Amway and Eu Yan Sang both market Manuka Honey at about RM 80.00 per bottle. It's too expensive for me so that's why I never tried it. But you can try to get one and tell us how the ones sold in Malaysia taste like. :)

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  2. I have tasted the Amway's Manuka honey! Quite good and of course quite expensive too! : )

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  3. I don take honey actually LR, never acquired the taste for it I guess. :)

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  4. Good morning night owls,

    JL,
    Honey is easily faked. are the pollen truly pure, raw, natural honey collected from the flower of the Manuka Trees?

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  5. monica,
    but now you've heard of it. :)

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  6. foong,
    i'm striving VERY hard to be your FC too. i'm not a pro chopper like Mei Teng. call me next time when you're abt to publish your next post. :)

    i've not tried the Amway product, so I can't really comment. i was wondering whether Amway has the UMF registered trademark.

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  7. mariuca,
    why don't you give it a try? it can work and can prevent your sinus infection and several areas but of cos,it is not a magic cure for everything.

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  8. It's an expensive honey...but good quality. Not to be taken hot though..otherwise, no vitamins if dissolved under hot water.

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  9. I get Manuka honey in Singapore too. It does wonders for sore throats. :)

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  10. Mei Teng,
    i agree with u. it musn't be used in boiling hot water or hot drinks, as heating will destroy many of its magical properties.

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  11. ECL,
    yeah, i heard it can relieve a sore throat and relieves minor aches and flu symptoms.

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  12. Hi again LR, here's a bit about Amway's Manuka Honey. It has UMF +18, but RM110 wah! I pengsan already.

    http://www.amway2u.com/mall_proddet.jsp

    Eu Yan Sang's one has UMF +10. Don't know the price.

    http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/5/3/sundaymetro/3803533&sec=SundayMetro

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  13. Wah! Sure an expensive to buy in Malaysia. But how much is it sold in NZ?
    But anything good will be worthwhile the money spent, right?
    Mmmm... When LR go vacation to NZ, we know what to ask her to buy for souvenirs! XD

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  14. I am taking UMF 15+, and buy UMF25+ for my girlfriend. I did become less sick after taking manuka honey.

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  15. lina,
    yup the honey could be a little pricey but it worths every penny.
    Prices vary from brand to brand as well as from country to country.

    i'm staying put for the time being lina. you knowlah, the swine flu pandemic is flying around the world. you certainly don't want me to bring home this disease as a souvenir. :)

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  16. chin weng,
    wow, UMF 25+ for your gf? that is the highest rating. You are the bestest BOYFRIEND ever!

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  17. Hi Ramblings! never heard of it as well but I would want to try that too. It's so nice that you get to have one as souvenir!

    Have a good day/night!

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  18. Yeah! The first time I got to know about Manuka is from Amway! Ha :D

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  19. Foong you always wanna get FC hoh! Ha :D

    Anyway now only I know how the Manuka looks like. Thanks for sharing. :D

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  20. Hi Ayie,
    it's a great souvenir indeed. and the honey is simply irresistible.

    happy Tuesday!

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  21. @Life Ramblings,
    staying put oso not safe already as got case of the flu here in Malaysia. @_@

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  22. I just found a great sugar substitute too. It's called agave nectar from the agave plant. Tastes great and has a very low glycemic index! I love alternative sugars.

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  23. My ex-boss brought this back for all of us at the office once before and we all politely said no ... LOL!

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  24. the taste of this honey was quite smooth the last time i tried. expensive but definitely worth a try. :)

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  25. lina,
    even though it has reached our shores, hope the outbreak doesn’t spread rampantly.

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  26. julia,
    sounds cool. It's a safer alternative for those who have health related issues.

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  27. levian,
    it's rather expensive especially the one with the highest UMF rating.

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  28. Interesting info. Manuka Honey is definitely gaining a lot of notoriety for its amazing healing properties. We'll be seeing a lot more of it in the future.

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