What is UMF?
UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor. It is a grading system that determines the level of potency, authenticity, purity, shelf life, and freshness of the honey. Mānuka honey can only be certified as high quality once it has undergone specific tests that validate its quality. There is only one organization in the world that offers the UMF trademark: the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA).
Mānuka Honey contains thousands of unique components that contribute to its flavour and health benefits. However, there are four key quality factors that matter to honey producers for the UMF rating - MGO for potency, Leptosperin for authenticity, DHA for shelf life, and HMF for freshness.
The quality of the honey is determined by these factors, especially its antibacterial properties. MGO plays a significant role in this and provides many health benefits people seek from Mānuka honey, such as wound healing, immune support, natural medicine, and regulating a healthy gut. The more potent the MGO in each Mānuka honey product, the higher the UMF rating.
In summary, the higher the UMF rating, the greater the therapeutic properties. Consumers may choose jars with lower UMF ratings for baking, cooking, and as a natural sweetener. When investing in Mānuka honey, it’s important to understand the benefits associated with each UMF rating so that every consumer is aware of the honey's quality.
M&H UMF Levels and Uses
- UMF 5+: Used as a natural sweetener to replace table sugar in hot drinks, baking, and cooking.
- UMF 10+: Also used as a natural sweetener, but great for skincare with its mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help heal acne, brighten, and moisturize the skin.
- UMF 15+ and 20+: Strong in antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, used to support the immune system, as a natural pre-workout, for wound healing, promoting a healthy gut, relieving a cough, and soothing a sore throat.
- UMF 26+: Our most potent jar of Mānuka honey offers all the health benefits at a high level. UMF 26+ is typically used as a natural medicine to help fight off infections leading to a cough and cold and as an overall health and wellbeing supplement.
The different UMF levels also determine the cost of Mānuka honey with a higher UMF rating at a higher cost compared to lower UMF ratings. The higher prices simply mean you’re paying for a higher quality product! Investing in Manuka honey, particularly for medicinal purposes, is a valuable investment.
In conclusion, choosing the right UMF level of Mānuka honey is essential for maximizing its benefits. The UMF rating helps consumers understand the potency and quality of the honey, reflecting its diverse applications and allowing users to select Mānuka honey that aligns with their specific needs. Being UMF certified also reflects the authenticity of Mānuka honey and underscores why it’s worth investing in. Produced by nature and backed by science, Mānuka honey stands as a testament to both tradition and rigorous quality standards.