Frequently Asked Questions

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is produced by bees from the nectar of the native New Zealand Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). Manuka honey is world renowned for its unique characteristics. Scientific research has discovered that naturally occurring methylglyoxal (MGO) is a key compound in Manuka Honey that makes it so different from other kinds of honey. Manuka honey is the first honey to be so extensively researched and recognised for its remarkable qualities.

While we would love to tell you about our own positive experiences, New Zealand regulations do not allow us to go into detail about the health benefits of Manuka Honey. This is because New Zealand has strict rules health claims relating to food. We recommend a Google Search (or try Google Scholar for scientific papers) for thousands of first-hand reviews, applications and experiences.

Active honey is honey that has been tested and proven to contain ‘bioactive’ compounds. One of the most commonly known active honeys is Manuka.

The bioactive compound, methylglyoxal, is a naturally occurring property of Manuka honey. All Oregan Manuka honey is tested by an independent laboratory to identify the different potency levels.

Names after the species of tree this honey is produced off, Manuka (a type of leptospermum) is found all over New Zealand and the honey does vary in colour, thickness and flavour – while still retaining its renowned therapeutic benefits. Our Active Manuka honey is now known worldwide as a powerful antibacterial agent. These antibacterial Manuka honeys are tested using analytical methods to show the presence of antibacterial properties.

MGO, or methylgloxal, is the magic ingredient in Manuka honey, with well-documented antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. All natural honey has some antibacterial effects, but scientists have discovered that Manuka’s effects are much more potent, thanks to MGO.

 

The antibacterial properties of honey are provided by hydrogen peroxide. In normal table honey, the hydrogen peroxide activity breaks down, meaning the anti-bacterial benefits are lost. But in Manuka honey, thanks to MGO, the antibacterial properties remain even after the hydrogen peroxide has disappeared.

 

Manuka honey comes in a range of MGO ratings. The higher the number on the label, the better the health benefits and anti-bacterial properties are.

According to our research on the definition of ‘raw’ – Yes!

There is no government definition or requirement for honey to be defined as ‘raw’, but according to our research, consumers are looking for ‘raw’ honey because they believe heat-treating can diminish the positive effects of the honey. 

This is true – overheating honey will change its properties, and we steer clear of this. We gently warm our honey to the same temperatures that it reaches within the bee-hive.

This makes it easier for us to remove natural debris such as wax and propolis, and it enables us to pour the honey easily into the amber jars we use to protect the precious honey until it reaches you. We do not heat-treat our honey in any way.

Manuka honey comes exclusively from New Zealand with its unique properties. Manuka plant is rare and difficult to extract. It has a limited harvest period as it is only collected at certain times of the year. The unique properties of Manuka honey are well understood by consumers around the world, thereby creating a continually high level of demand.

Oregan honeys are pure with no additives.

Honey is a natural product, influenced by seasonal and regional conditions. Some areas produce paler honey than others. The source of the nectar affects the taste of the honey and its colour. And like a good wine, honey will grow in flavour and darken with age.

Honey doesn’t really expire. It has been said that it remains as good as it was when it was extracted. As long as it is stored properly (out of direct sunlight, not exposed to direct heat and isn’t frozen) it will last well beyond it’s best before date. For health and safety purposes we recommend to consume your honey within three years of opening.

Table Honey

Propolis is a natural resinous mixture produced by honey bees that is rich in flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. Propolis is used as a coating to seal and protect the beehive, which is one of the most sterile environments known to nature. If you’re after a natural product to aid in boosting your immune system, then Propolis may be just right for you.

Propolis contains high concentration of biologically active flavonoids. These properties potentially offer a range of health benefits for your body. The potential health benefits of Propolis include a range of antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and even anti-inflammatory uses. With its high concentration of flavonoids, Propolis is known to support a healthy immune system.

Propolis contains high concentration of biologically active flavonoids in addition to essential oils, waxes and pollen. These flavonoids have antioxidant activity which provide protection to plants and animals. These properties potentially offer a range of health benefits for your body.

 

The potential health benefits of Propolis include a range of antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and even anti-inflammatory uses.  Propolis can be applied directly onto the affected area of your skin, or alternatively can be ingested for both treatment and a preventative, immune boost.  

 

Propolis liquid, or capsules, can be taken daily to support a healthy immune system.

The black particle is the precipitate of propolis. This is natural and may be present in the honey over a period of time. Don’t worry, it is perfectly safe to consume!

Royal jelly is a creamy white substance with a high nutrient content that young bees make to feed queen bee larvae. It is the only source of food and nutrition for the queen bee, accounting for their extended longevity and fertility. People have used royal jelly traditionally for its health promoting properties. It’s also rich in proteins and contains vitamins, fats, and amino acids.

Royal jelly is a unique, thick, milky-white secretion that the worker bees manufacture and feed to the Queen bee. It’s the sole source of nutrition of the Queen bee and aids her everyday vitality. When a queen bee dies, the worker bees will feed high quantities of royal jelly to a selected female larva, elevated a regular honey bee larva to a queen. Claims that eating royal jelly can help improve fertility stem from this fact. Royal jelly is even said to help fighting the effects of aging and boost the immune system. It is also used to increase endurance and well-being.

Royal Jelly is an extremely nutritious, creamy food substance produced by nursing bees to feed young, growing bees and the hive’s Queen Bee. It is the exclusive food of the Queen Bee that lives approximately 6 years, while worker bees live approximately 6 weeks eating honey and pollen.

 

The only difference between the Queen and the workers is their diet. Royal jelly is used as a nutritious supplement for skin health, as a general health tonic, for fighting the effects of aging, and for supporting the immune system.

Manuka honey collected by honey bees from flowers of the Manuka Bush which is indigenous to New Zealand, naturally enriched by its clean green native forest. It is world renowned for its unique and distinctive aroma, delicate creamy flavor and intensely delicious when consume straight from the jar.

 

This natural, Premium Manuka honey is raw, unpasteurized and 100% produced organically in New Zealand under strict, hygienically controlled process and its free from artificial additives.

Antibiotics keep bees safe and healthy and traditional farms use antibiotics to keep their bees’ safe whereas, in organic farms, no antibiotics are used. The organic honey is free from hazardous pesticides.

 

Another benefit of raw organic manuka honey is that it is used raw i.e. not heated, which helps to retain its most nutritional value.

General

Honey is a natural sweetener made by honey bees from nectar. It is collected by bees, stored and ripened in the hive. As it naturally contains glucose and fructose, all forms of honey should be treated as sugar. Diabetics should consult their healthcare professional before consuming honey.

For many years, women have consumed Manuka honey during pregnancy with no reported problems. Always consult a professional as necessary.

No. It is not recommended for under 1 year old.

Real, raw honey crystallizes. The crystallization process is natural and spontaneous. Crystallization does not affect the honey except for color and texture. Simple place jar in a pot of warm water (not more than 40-50 degree celcius) to remove the crystals.