Manuka Honey Benefits & how to use it best
Our Dive into Manuka Honey & why you should invest in this superfood?
Those who are new to Manuka honey (where have you been, only joking) may initially react at the costing of Manuka honey especially if you have only ever sourced your honey from the local supermarket. So, what is so special about Manuka Honey? And in particular what sets AFS Manuka Honey apart from the others.
Did you know?
Manuka honey is named the Manuka tree species (from the Leptospermum genus within the Myrtaceae Family). The bees forage, collect nectar and pollen from these trees which are found all over Australia and New Zealand.
Mānuka is the Māori name while in Australia, Manuka is spelt without the macron.
Stats & Costs
Comparing the best manuka honey brands
- Our Manuka honey is cold-extracted and minimally processed. Every consignment is thoroughly independently tested for NPA, MGO and TA rated levels.
- Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties thanks to its raw and bioactive qualities. Ideal to sooth sore throats
- Our Manuka honey is not heat-treated and packaged raw, to ensure the natural health benefits are preserved.
- Our Manuka honey is highly competitive priced based on its size, MGO & NPA ratings compared to other popular labels.
As the saying goes the proof is in the pudding and here the statistics and benefits of Manuka honey speaks volumes.
Here’s a bit of anecdotal evidence, which has been echoed by others. When we made the switch to manuka honey, something we learnt or rather noticed when having our tea of the evening – was that we needed to use considerably less manuka honey than previously (yep, we were using standard honey). So while the initial upfront expense is more, this superior product does in fact last longer – making it a lot more cost effective option.
Manuka honey and how to easily incorporate it in your diet – simple tips!
Ok, so the benefits of Manuka Honey are obvious and now you would like to incorporate it further into your diet. Especially as more and more people are getting on the “honey-wagon” as they recognise the benefits of substituting manuka honey over sugar, and its overall health benefits.
Here are some practical tips and suggestions.
Breakfast Ideas
Drizzle Manuka honey on:
- Toast
- Fruit or fruit salad
- Muesli, porridge, and cereals
- Pancakes, waffles, flapjacks
- Smoothies and health shakes
Drinks & Beverages
Drizzle Manuka honey in:
- Tea, coffee, chai
- Smoothies and health shakes
Need something stronger? How about adding Manuka honey in your favourite cocktails? If you love gin, give this cocktail go.
- Add gin, combine fresh lemon juice with manuka honey syrup.
A perfect cocktail to enjoy after work or over the weekend with friends
Meals
Add Manuka honey:
- To your salad, sauce dressings and marinades, the ideal replacement for brown sugar
Popular & easy salad dressing:
Add in a bowl 4 tbsp good quality (virgin) olive oil, 1/2 tsp dijon-style or english mustard, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp Manuka Honey, finely sliced 1 shallot, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/4 tsp sea salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, and give it a good whisk
Popular & easy salad dressing:
Combine well 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp red curry paste, juice of ½ lime and ½ tbsp Manuka Honey
Popular & easy marinade for your chicken wings or baked vegetables:
Combine well 2 cloves finely diced garlic, 1-2 tbsp oil olive, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sweet chilli sauce, juice of ½ lemon, 1 tbsp Manuka Honey and sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste (you can also include some chilli flakes)
Baked treats
Simply swap out sugar and replace it with manuka honey. Add it in your Banana & Berry muffins, Brownies, Banana Cake, Tea cakes to name a few.
Tips
- Manuka honey has a stronger flavour than standard honey, however when baking it has a subtle sweetness and releases a unique honey flavour.
- Change over of Seasons: When the season changes over, particularly from the warmer months to the cold period, it is easy to catch the flu or experience some discomfort in your throat. As mentioned above, manuka honey is your friend and can save you from that visit to the doctor & those costly medications!
Let us know by sending us an email at enquiries@australianfoodservices.com
