Manuka Honey FAQ
Q: Is Comvita the leading Manuka Honey company?
Comvita® is New Zealand's leading producer of UMF® grade Manuka Honey.
Q: What does UMF mean?
The UMF® (Unique Manuka Factor) trademark was established by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA). The UMF® grading system appraises natural markers found in Manuka Honey, and assures purity & quality. This is compliant with the recent interim labelling guidelines published by the Ministry for Primary Industries. Not all Manuka Honeys are UMF® rated – only those which have been independently tested and verified by UMFHA are given a UMF® rating. For more information visit www.umf.org.nz.
Q: What is the meaning of UMF 5+, UMF 10+, UMF 15+, UMF 18+ and UMF 20+?
The UMF® grading system has two components which are expressed on any UMF® licenced honey product: 1. The label claim that it is Manuka, 2. The number - this represents three chemical markers that indicate the content of this honey to ensure purity and quality. This includes the key chemical markers DHA, MGO, and Leptosperin. For more information visit www.umf.org.nz/grading-system-explained.
Q: What's the difference between Manuka Blend and UMF 5+?
The Comvita® Manuka Honey Blend is a delicious blend of UMF®5+ Manuka Honey, combined with New Zealand forest honeys to bring you a superior tasting blend, rich in floral flavour. UMF®5+ is a Manuka Honey with no other added honeys.
Q: Why is Manuka Honey more expensive than other honeys?
Manuka Honey is unique to New Zealand and to obtain pure Manuka Honey is a specialised task for beekeepers. Manuka Honey is more difficult to extract and has a limited harvest period as it is only collected at certain times of the year. The unique properties of Manuka Honey are well understood by consumers around the world, thereby creating a continually high level of demand.
Q: Why does honey’s colour and texture vary?
Honey is a natural product, influenced by seasonal and regional conditions. Some areas produce paler honey than others. Like a good wine, honey will grow in flavour and darken with age.
Q: What is added to Comvita honey?
Comvita honeys are pure with no additives.
Q: Diabetes – can I take your honey?
Nectar from plants is the sugar source for honey. It is collected by bees, stored and ripened in the hive. The resulting honey is rich in natural fructose and glucose. Diabetics should consult their healthcare professional before consuming honey.
Q: Can Manuka Honey be taken during pregnancy?
Manuka Honey has been taken by pregnant women for many years with no reported problems as a result of its ingestion.
Q: Can children take Manuka Honey?
We do not recommend that honey be given to children under the age of one.
Q: Can I use a jar of Manuka Honey on my wound?
No. Manuka Honey that is purchased in a jar is for oral/internal use only. Comvita® recommends sterile Medical-Grade honey products such as Comvita Medihoney® Antibacterial Wound Gel™ for use on wounds.
Propolis FAQ
Q: What is Propolis?
Propolis is created by the bees from natural sap and resins found on trees. Trees produce these resins at the site of a plant injury and on new shoots. The bees collect the resin and carry it back to the hive where they mix beeswax and enzymes to make Propolis.
Q: What are the benefits of Propolis?
Propolis contains high levels of active bioflavonoids, with well known antioxidant properties. Propolis helps to support and maintain a healthy immune system.
Q: Should I take Propolis liquids, capsules or tablets? Which is best?
The strength of dose is the same, so it is more a question of suitability and personal preference. We recommend Propolis Tincture for teeth, gum and external use; Propolis Extract (alcohol free), Tablets and Capsules to be taken orally for internal use.
Q: How should I take the various Propolis products?
Propolis Capsules should be swallowed with water. Propolis Tablets can be swallowed with water or chewed before swallowing. Propolis Extract can be dropped directly into the back of the mouth and throat, or mixed in water and drunk or gargled. Propolis Tincture should be applied directly by the dropper onto the desired area.
Q: Are there any other things I should know before choosing the most appropriate Propolis product?
Vegetarians should choose the Propolis Tablets rather than Propolis Capsules due to the bovine gelatin in the capsule.