10 Delicious Ways of Consuming Mãnuka Honey

New Zealand Manuka honey is celebrated for its exceptional health benefits, luxurious taste, and versatility. While most people enjoy it stirred into tea, drizzled over yoghurt, or simply eaten by the spoonful, there’s an adventurous side to this golden superfood.

If you’re looking to elevate your experience with Manuka honey, here are some unusual and sophisticated ways the team at M&H Manuka Honey recommends to enjoy its richness while reaping its health and healing benefits.

1. Whisk It into Salad Dressings

Transform your salad into a gourmet experience by incorporating Manuka honey into your dressing. Its smooth texture and nuanced sweetness pair beautifully with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard.

Try this:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
• Drizzle over a fresh arugula and goat cheese salad for a luxurious touch.

2. Use It as a Natural Sweetener in Cocktails

Take your cocktails to the next level with Manuka honey. Its thick, luscious consistency adds a unique depth of flavour that ordinary syrups can’t match.

For a refined twist on the classic hot toddy:

• Combine 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey with whiskey, lemon juice, and hot water.
• Stir well and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a warming, premium drink.

For a summer twist, blend it into a gin and tonic for a subtle hint of sweetness.

3. Pair It with Cheese

Manuka honey’s complex flavour profile makes it an exquisite addition to a premium cheese platter. Pair it with sharp aged cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy blue cheese.

To serve:

• Place a small jar of high-grade UMF Manuka honey on your charcuterie board.
• Encourage guests to drizzle it over cheese and crackers for a sweet and savoury combination.

Manuka honey also goes well with fried Haloumi. Just drizzle over the top when the Haloumi’s done, and serve.

4. Blend It into Smoothies

While adding honey to smoothies isn’t new, using Manuka honey brings a whole new level of luxury and health benefits. Its antimicrobial properties make it a perfect addition to nutrient-packed smoothies.

Try blending:

• 1 banana
• A handful of spinach
• 1 cup of almond milk
• 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey

This combination creates a creamy, naturally sweet beverage that boosts your immune system and energy levels.

5. Use It as a Gourmet Glaze

Manuka honey can elevate your cooking by serving as a glaze for meats, seafood, or vegetables. Its caramelisation properties create a rich, glossy finish that’s hard to resist.

For roasted salmon:

• Mix 2 teaspoons of Manuka honey with soy sauce, a squeeze of lemon, and grated ginger.
• Brush the mixture over the salmon before roasting.

For a vegetable twist, try it with roasted carrots or sweet potatoes.

6. Manuka Honey Coffee Elixir

Swap your usual sugar for Manuka honey in your morning coffee. This unconventional pairing enhances the coffee’s natural flavours while adding a touch of sweetness and health benefits.

To make it extra special:

• Stir 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey into your espresso or black coffee.
• Top with steamed oat milk for a velvety latte experience.

7. Create a Manuka Honey Sorbet

Impress your dinner guests with a refreshing Manuka honey sorbet. Its natural sweetness and luxurious texture make it a perfect base for a sophisticated dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• ½ cup of Manuka honey
• Juice of 2 lemons
• A pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the honey in warm water.
2. Add lemon juice and salt.
3. Freeze in an ice cream maker or a shallow dish, stirring occasionally for a smooth texture.

8. Top off Your Oysters

For a bold and extravagant culinary experience, drizzle a few drops of Manuka honey over freshly shucked oysters. The honey’s sweetness contrasts beautifully with the briny taste of the oysters, creating a complex and unforgettable flavour profile.

9. Infuse It into Herbal Teas or Tisanes

Manuka honey is a wonderful complement to premium herbal teas like chamomile, mint, or ginger. For an unusual twist, infuse the honey itself:

• Heat a jar of Manuka honey gently in warm water.
• Add a few sprigs of rosemary, slices of fresh ginger, or cinnamon sticks.
• Let it sit for a day before using it as a sweetener in your teas.

10. Bake It into Luxury Desserts

Elevate your desserts by using Manuka honey as a premium ingredient in baking. It works particularly well in recipes like honey cakes, panna cotta, or even ice cream.

For a simple yet indulgent treat:

• Drizzle warm Manuka honey over freshly baked scones or croissants.
• Serve with a dollop of clotted cream for a refined finish.

Summing Up

Manuka honey is far more than a natural sweetener—it’s a versatile gourmet ingredient that can elevate your culinary adventures. From savoury dishes to refreshing drinks and decadent desserts, the possibilities are as luxurious as they are delicious.

For premium shoppers who value quality and creativity, these unusual ways to consume Manuka honey are a testament to its richness and versatility. Explore these ideas and discover new ways to enjoy this liquid gold.

Ready to try premium Manuka honey? Browse the M&H Manuka Honey New Zealand online store and elevate your wellness with this natural health and healing powerhouse. Shop from our huge range of different Manuka Honeys in singles, bundles, lozenges, and gift ideas (all products are UMF-certified and high in MGO potency).