All About Australian Manuka

Australian Manuka is one of the world's most prized honeys, and most of the plants behind it grow right here. Here's what makes it special, what the MGO number on the jar means, and how to choose and enjoy it.

What is Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is a monofloral honey made by bees that forage on the flowers of Leptospermum, the tea tree family. What sets it apart is methylglyoxal (MGO), a natural compound that forms in the honey from the nectar over time. Everyday honey contains next to none of it; Manuka can contain hundreds, or even thousands, of milligrams per kilogram.

The Australian advantage

Australia is home to more than 80 species of Leptospermum, compared with just one in New Zealand. Different species flower at different times across our varied climates, and many produce nectar rich in the compounds that become MGO. That's why Australian Manuka regularly matches New Zealand Manuka on MGO.

Our Manuka comes from remote, wild Leptospermum country. We're a Sydney family of beekeepers, and we follow the flowering seasons through NSW forests and bushland. Every jar is cold-extracted, lightly filtered and never blended, so it stays raw and true to the bush it came from.

Understanding MGO ratings

The MGO rating tells you exactly how much methylglyoxal is in the honey, in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). The higher the number, the more concentrated the MGO, the smaller the harvest and the bolder the flavour.

• 30 to 100 MGO: everyday Manuka, mild and great value for the pantry.
• 250 MGO: a step up, sweet with a savoury tea tree note. A popular daily spoonful.
• 500 to 750 MGO: high grade, richer and more intense.
• 1400 to 2250 MGO: our rarest grades, from tiny, remote harvests.

Compare every grade in our MGO ratings guide, or read more about what makes Manuka different.

MGO vs UMF

MGO is a direct measurement of methylglyoxal in mg/kg, and it's the rating most Australian producers use. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a trademarked New Zealand grading system that looks at MGO alongside other markers. As a rough guide: UMF 5+ is about 83 MGO, UMF 10+ about 263 MGO, UMF 15+ about 514 MGO and UMF 20+ about 829 MGO.

How to enjoy Manuka

• One level teaspoon a day, straight off the spoon.
• Stirred into tea once it's cooled a little, or through yoghurt and porridge.
• Drizzled over toast or blended into smoothies.
• Save your high grades for eating as is, and use the everyday grades in cooking.

Common questions

How should I store Manuka honey?

In the pantry, lid on tight, away from sunlight. Don't refrigerate it, because the cold speeds up crystallisation. If it firms up, stand the jar in warm (not boiling) water and stir.

Why does Manuka cost more than regular honey?

Leptospermum flowers for only a few weeks a year, the best stands are in remote country, and high grades come from a small fraction of each harvest. The higher the MGO, the rarer the honey.

Is Manuka safe for babies?

Honey, including Manuka, isn't recommended for children under 12 months.

More questions? Read our Manuka Honey FAQs, or shop Australian Manuka honey.