What Makes Manuka Honey Authentic?

UMF and UMFHA

Comvita Manuka honey is UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) trademarked. UMF™ was established by the Unique Manuka Factor Association (UMFHA) to highlight and differentiate genuine Manuka honey. UMFHA test for the three key chemical markers (Leptospersin, DHA and Methylglyoxal) that are unique signature compounds to Manuka honey to ensure the purity and quality of the honey.

One of the many great things about being UMF trademarked and part of UMFHA is that we are annually audited and tested by an independent laboratory to verify that Comvita Manuka honey is true to label.

What are the 3 Unique Chemical Markers of Authentic Manuka Honey?

All three unique chemical markers will be presented in genuine Manuka honey.

Methylglyoxal, commonly known as MGO is often the only marker measured by producers which state an MGO level on the label. Unfortunately, it’s possible to artificially add MGO to honey. This means that by only testing for MGO, a regular honey can have MGO artificially added and then be sold as Manuka honey with a MGO level.

DHA represents the age of the honey. At Comvita, we check how old the honey is before this is bottled.

Leptosperin is an important unique marker in Manuka honey because it’s only found in the flower of the Manuka plant.

Leptospermum Scoparium, commonly known as Manuka, Manuka Myrtle, and New Zealand teatree is a species of flowering plant in the Myrtle family; Myrtaceae. This is native only to New Zealand and should not be confused with Leptospermum varieties grown in other countries.

Thankfully, the authentication test on Leptosperin is relatively straightforward because it has a large presence in genuine Manuka honey.

To be sure that you’re buying genuine Manuka honey from the New Zealand Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka plant), look for the UMF™ trademark. This way, you can be certain that the honey has been tested not just for one, but all three unique Manuka chemical markers and has been independently verified.

COMVITA MANUKA HONEY is true to label; we guarantee that when you buy from us, the honey in the jar reflects the UMF™ grade stated on the label. We also guarantee that no artificial ingredients are added to our honey. Comvita is independently tested by FERA (Food and Environment Research Agency) and Minerva Scientific to confirm that Comvita Manuka honey meets the optimum levels. This is our promise to you.

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