UMF Manuka Honey Grading System: What You Need to Know
When it comes to honey, not all products are created equal. Some varieties of honey are known to have higher levels of antibacterial properties, while others may be more effective in treating certain health conditions.
One important factor that can help determine the quality and efficacy of honey is its UMF rating.
In this article, we will delve deeper into what UMF honey rating is and why it is important.
What is UMF?
UMF stands for “Unique Manuka Factor,” and the UMF grading system certifies purity & quality by valuing natural indicators found in our Tiaki Manuka honey.
Only authorized manuka honey producers who adhere to stringent requirements, such as quality monitoring and auditing, are permitted to use UMF, which is the registered name and trademark of the UMF Honey Association.
Tiaki Manuka honey has a special quality that makes it more effective and stable. It originates exclusively from methylglyoxal (MGO), a naturally occurring molecule found solely in the nectar of Manuka plants. MGO is a component of leptospira.
MGO is present in extremely high concentrations in Tiaki Manuka honey, tripling its antibacterial potency.
The feature that differs in strength across various batches of Manuka honey made in New Zealand is known as the “Unique Manuka Factor,” or UMF, and it has been trademarked.
UMF is rigorously enforced, independently verified, and precisely correlated to the amount of methylglyoxal and the honey’s associated antibacterial potency.
Understanding UMF Honey Rating
UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, which is a measure of the antibacterial potency of manuka honey, a type of honey that is produced by bees that pollinate the manuka bush in New Zealand.
The UMF rating system was developed by the UMF Honey Association in New Zealand to help consumers identify the quality and strength of manuka honey products.
The UMF rating system measures the level of three compounds found in manuka honey: Leptosperin, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and methylglyoxal (MGO).
These compounds are responsible for the antibacterial properties of manuka honey. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the concentration of these compounds, and the more potent the honey is in terms of its antibacterial properties.
The UMF™ Quality Assurance System
The UMFHA has been at the forefront of almost three decades of world-leading research to understand the benefits and quality management of manuka honey.
UMF™ identifies 2,300+ natural compounds in New Zealand mānuka honey that contribute to its unique taste, texture, and support of health & wellness – and make it the best honey in the world.
Four Quality Factors that Matter in Mānuka Honey:
- MGO for potency
- LEPTOSPERIN for authenticity
- DHA for shelf life
- HMF for freshness
UMF Testing
UMF tests for Methylglyoxal, or MGO, an antibacterial component, Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, a measure of the honey’s age, and Leptosperin, a sign of genuine Manuka that can only be found in honey made from manuka pollen and cannot be faked.
UMF ratings range from 5 to 25, and the more potent and obviously more expensive the honey is, the higher the rating. Our Tiaki Manuka honey with a UMF of 10 or above is regarded as strong enough for medical use.
UMF Grading Levels
- Superior Rare High Grade: UMF 24+
- Ultra Premium Grade: UMF 15+ to UMF 20+ and above
- Premium Grade: UMF 10+ to UMF 15+
- Certified Authentic: UMF 5+ to UMF 9+
Why UMF Rating is Important
There are several reasons why the UMF rating is important when it comes to choosing a quality manuka honey product.
First and foremost, the UMF rating can help you determine the potency of the honey in terms of its antibacterial properties. This can be especially important if you are using manuka honey for medicinal purposes, such as treating wounds or infections.
In addition, the UMF rating can also help you identify authentic manuka honey products. Unfortunately, there are many products on the market that claim to be manuka honey but do not meet the UMF standard.
By looking for products with a UMF rating, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality, authentic manuka honey product.
How UMF Rating is Determined
The UMF rating of a manuka honey product is determined through a series of tests that measure the concentration of the three compounds found in the honey: Leptosperin, DHA, and MGO.
The tests are conducted by independent laboratories that are accredited by the UMF Honey Association.
To be considered authentic manuka honey, a product must have a UMF rating of 5 or higher. However, for honey to be considered medicinal grade, it should have a UMF rating of 10 or higher.
Some of the highest UMF ratings can be found in products with a rating of 20 or more.
How to Use UMF-Rated Honey
There are many different ways to use UMF-rated honey. One of the most common uses is as a natural remedy for various health conditions.
Our Tiaki Manuka honey is effective in treating a range of conditions, including sore throats, colds, flu, digestive issues, and even acne.
To use UMF-rated honey for medicinal purposes, you can consume it orally or apply it topically to the affected area.
It is important to note that UMF-rated honey should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatments. Instead, it should be used in conjunction with other treatments as a natural supplement.
UMF Conclusion
In summary, the UMF honey grading is a measure of the antibacterial potency of manuka honey, a type of honey that is produced by bees that pollinate the manuka bush in New Zealand.
The UMF rating system measures the concentration of three compounds found in manuka honey that are responsible for its many health benefits.
By looking for products with a UMF rating, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality, authentic manuka honey product.
Uncover the unique properties of UMF™ Manuka Honey and its unmatched quality. Delve into the world of UMF™ Manuka Honey excellence!
