Manuka Honey vs Raw Honey - What’s the difference?

When it comes to honey, there can be confusion on which choice to make between Manuka honey versus raw honey. Each, has its unique properties and benefits. And yes, our Manuka Honey is both authentically Raw and Manuka Honey taking advantage of both!

 

Honey’s Health Benefits

Honey is naturally produced by bees foraging from flowers blooming in their local environment, and has been cherished by our ancestors for its taste, for its many medicinal and therapeutic properties.

Honey has been revered in all cultures and used in many ways aside from culinary choices … from soothing sore throats, coughs and colds, high antibacterial activity to fight against infection to boosting fertility and overall wellness.

 

Origins of Manuka Honey and Its Production Process

Manuka honey originates from Australia, where honey bees pollinate the native Manuka Trees. The production of Manuka honey is a natural process that ensures the preservation of its unique antibacterial properties. These are primarily from the high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO).

 

Origins of Raw Honey and Its Production Process

Raw honey can come from the pollination of any local flowering plants where ever there are honey bees. 

Raw honey refers to whether the honey has been heated during the extraction phase. The heating of honey is known to effect the honey’s therapeutic properties. 

In its unprocessed and pure form honey retains all the natural enzymes, nutrients and pollen. This honey type is identified by minimal human intervention, ensuring it remains as natural as possible.

 

Key Differences Between Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

The main differences between Manuka Honey and Raw honey is in the antibacterial activity of the honey, and the origin and production process. Manuka honey is known for its high strength antibacterial properties which come from the presence of the naturally occuring compound methylglyoxal (MGO), while raw honey is known for its natural, pure state.

 

Nutritional Content of Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

Whilst eating any kind of natural raw honey is known to be beneficial for your health and delicious … Manuka Honey is well researched and known to have many amazing properties and benefits be very rich in bioactive compounds, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, polyphenols and enzymes contributing to its potent health benefits.

 

Medicinal Properties of Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

Medicinally, Manuka honey is renowned for its effectiveness in wound healing, its high strength antibacterial activity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Raw honey, while also having variable antibacterial qualities, is more commonly used for its antioxidant properties and soothing effects, and as a culinary honey.

 

Comparison of Taste and Flavour Profiles of Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

Manuka honey has a strong, earthy flavour, this is quite distinctive by those that know. Raw honey, as its sources can be varied, the taste and flavour profile can be equally as varied. quite distinct from the varied and often milder flavours of raw honey, which differ based on the specific flowers the nectar was sourced from.

 

Uses and Applications of Manuka Honey in Traditional and Modern Medicine

Manuka honey is used in both traditional and modern medicine. Some of its applications are in wound and burn care, skincare, and as a natural remedy for digestive issues, and to boost immunity.

 

Do our quiz to find the perfect Manuka Honey level for you

 

Uses and Applications of Raw Honey in Traditional and Modern Medicine

Raw honey is widely used in natural remedies from all cultures of the world, used for coughs, colds, flu and sore throats, as well as an alternative sweetener.  As the honey is unheated it retains all its natural properties.

 

Price and Availability of Manuka Honey Versus Raw Honey

Manuka honey is only available geographically in Australia and New Zealand, because of its limited production and unique high strength antibacterial activity which contribute to it, Manuka honey is generally more expensive and less widely available than raw honey. Noting that Manuka honey can be both authentically Manuka Honey and be a Raw honey.

 

Safety and Storage Considerations for Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

Manuka Honey, Raw Manuka Honey,  and Raw Honey need to all be stored in a cool, dry place. It's important to note that honey (including Manuka and raw honey) should not be given to children under 1 year old.

 

Scientific Research and Studies on the Health Benefits of Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

There has been extensive scientific research which has validated the health benefits of what people experience in taking of both Manuka and raw honey, particularly focusing on their antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

 

Effectiveness of Manuka Honey and Raw Honey in Treating Common Ailments

Both Manuka and raw honey have been found effective in treating common ailments, such as sore throats, digestive issues, and minor wounds. Manuka Honey is required when treating anti-bacterial resistance, acute infections and other more severe symptoms.

 

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Consuming Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

Honey is known to be safe for most humans. The biggest risk is in case of an allergic reaction.

 

Consumer Reviews and Experiences with Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

Raw honey customer reviews mainly focus on nutrient benefits, using honey as an alternative sweetener, and maintaining wellness and improving overall health. 

Manuka honey customer reviews often focus on the effectiveness of Manuka honey to help them alleviate a particular symptom or condition.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

Firstly the best quality and most premium honey is Raw Manuka Honey. If you are forced to choose between the two, consider your intended use, budget, and taste preference. Manuka honey is ideal for medicinal purposes, while raw honey is good for general health benefits and as a culinary honey. 

 

How to Incorporate Manuka Honey and Raw Honey into Your Daily Diet

Raw Manuka Honey can be used be internally and externally. Manuka honey can be used as a topical treatment or taken by the spoon directly. Raw honey is used a healthy alternative sweetener in beverages, be used in cooking, or taken as a dietary supplement.

 

Do our quiz to find the perfect Manuka Honey level for you

 

The Debate Over Which Type of Honey is Superior: Manuka Honey or Raw Honey

The debate depends on individual needs and preferences. Manuka honey is superior for specific medicinal purposes, whereas raw honey is an all-rounder for general health and culinary uses.

 

Recommendations for Using Manuka Honey and Raw Honey

Both Manuka honey and raw honey have their unique place in a healthy diet and lifestyle, and by choosing Gather By Manuka Honey- you can have them both! 

Feature	Manuka Honey	Raw Honey	Raw Manuka Honey
Origin	Made from nectar of the Manuka bush in Australia or New Zealand	Sourced from various flowers and plants.	Made from the nectar of the Manuka bush, but not processed.
Processing	May be pasteurised and processed.	Not pasteurised or processed; retains natural nutrients.	Not pasteurised or processed; retains natural nutrients.
Antibacterial Properties	Mid range  due to MGO (methylglyoxal) content, though affected by heating	Natural antibacterial properties, but lower than Manuka.	Highest strength and potency due to MGO content, and no heat.
Flavour	Unique, strong, earthy flavour.	Varies widely depending on the source of nectar.	Unique, strong, earthy flavour.
Uses	Medicinal, skincare, dietary.	Sweetening, natural remedies, dietary.	Combines medicinal uses of Manuka with natural benefits of raw honey.
Nutritional Content	Similar benefits  raw honey, but with additional bioactive compounds.	Rich in enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.	All benefits of raw honey, with additional bioactive compounds from Manuka.
Health Benefits	Known for healing wounds, soothing sore throats, improving digestion.	General health benefits like antioxidants, soothing sore throats.	Combines the health benefits of both Manuka and raw honey.

 

FAQs

Is Manuka honey better than raw honey?

"Better" depends on your health needs. Manuka honey, particularly raw Manuka honey like Gather by Australian Manuka Honey, offers the antibacterial strength of Manuka and the natural benefits of raw honey.

 

What type of honey is the healthiest?

The healthiest type of honey depends on your health goals. Raw Manuka honey, like Gather by Australian Manuka Honey, offers a combination of antibacterial and natural benefits.

 

Can you eat Manuka honey like regular honey?

Yes, Manuka honey can be consumed just like regular honey, used as a sweetener or spread, or eaten directly.

 

What is better: raw honey or 100% honey?

The choice depends on personal preference. Raw honey offers natural, unprocessed benefits, while 100% honey ensures purity without additives but may be processed. Raw Manuka honey like Gather by Australian Manuka Honey provides the best of both worlds.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

The fluorescence of MM1, leptosperin in Australian and New Zealand Manuka Honeys

The Antibacterial Activity of Australian Leptospermum Honey Correlates with Methylglyoxal Levels

Therapeutic Manuka Honey: No Longer So Alternative