Tasmanian Manuka Honey
Leptospermum Scoparium – Tea Tree
Manuka honey in Australia is derived from the Leptospermum tree, also known as the Tea Tree. The Leptospermum species is comprised of 86 recognised subspecies, of which only two are found outside of Australia. Leptospermum recurvum is found in Sabah, Malaysia, and Sulawesi, Indonesia. Leptospermum Scoparium is found in both New Zealand and Tasmania.
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the naturally occurring compound that makes Manuka honey unique.
The MGO rating is the measurement of methylglyoxal in each batch of honey produced. For example, 100+ MGO rated honey has been certified laboratory tested to contain a minimum result of 100mg of methylglyoxal per kilo of honey.
Methylglyoxal is an antibacterial compound that specifically targets bacteria.
Unlike Leatherwood honey that contains hydrogen peroxide, Methylglyoxal will supress any peroxide activity, therefore Manuka honey is affective for antibacterial purposes only.
One compound unique to manuka honey is leptosperin, with the higher number reading means the more authentic and pure. Recent studies by Dr Peter Brooks, a senior lecturer at the University of Sunshine Coast, has proven that the level of leptosperin is greater in Australian manuka honey compared to samples taken from New Zealand. These results prove and probably confirm that manuka honey produced in Australia is more pure than of that produced in New Zealand.
Looking at production and sales of manuka honey in New Zealand, one year 1,700 tons had been produced but a massive 10,000 tons were on the market the same year worldwide!
Deceiving or mislabelling, or dilution of honey after test results were recorded?
You be the judge!!
