What Does UMF Mean? Mānuka Honey Grading Systems Explained
What Does UMF Mean? Mānuka Honey Grading Systems Explained
Mānuka honey is very popular but many people find the different grading systems’ abbreviations and values confusing. Here’s what it all means.
Firstly, Why Is Mānuka Honey Special?
- Mānuka honey comes from New Zealand’s native mānuka forests
- Mānuka flowers are the source of the unique nectar that makes mānuka honey different to any other honey
- Mānuka honey has a special combination of unique properties: 2,300 signature markers vs. approximately 90 in clover honey
Why and How Is Mānuka Honey Graded?
Being a totally natural food, the level of unique properties in mānuka honey varies per batch. To grade each batch, rating systems measure the properties — for example, UMF™ 10+, MGO, NPA 5 and K-factor, to name a few.The combination of letters and numbers informs consumers of the grade of mānuka honey. However, the number of properties measured varies per rating system.
Are All Mānuka Honey Rating Systems the Same?
In short, no. Here’s why:
- The UMF™ grading system is unique to New Zealand. It tests four main factors in mānuka honey (MGO, leptosperin, DHA and HMF)
- One of these four factors, MGO, measures the honey’s potency — for example, UMF™ 10+ contains an MGO level of 263+
- If you buy honey with only an MGO rating, that’s the only factor that has been tested — single assurance vs. quadruple assurance with UMF™ certified honey
- As a licensee of the UMF™ Honey Association, you can trace your Haddrell’s batch here.
What Is UMF™ and Why Does It Matter?
UMF™ stands for Unique Mānuka Factor. Haddrell’s Mānuka Honey’s unique properties are measured using this quality assurance system.
- This rating system guarantees the authenticity of New Zealand mānuka honey
- Every batch of honey is analysed in independent labs
- The test results are summarised in the UMF™value — for example, UMF™ 20+ has a higher level of unique properties than UMF™10+
For more information, please contact us.
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