Have you purchased a Manuka Honey recently? Have you ever questioned, what is that “UMF” in the label of each jar? Well, worry no more, in this article, we are going to discuss UMF or Unique Manuka Factor.

Variety of Health Benefits

Manuka Honey has a number of health benefits that the typical honey does not have. To name a few, Manuka Honey helps digestion, strengthens the immune system, boosts your energy, is used in healing wounds, is used in preventing & treating cancer, and in treating diabetes.

Antibacterial Properties 

Methyglyoxal (MGO) is a naturally-occurring compound found in Manuka Honey; it gives Manuka Honey its antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics. 

Sustainable Honey 

Manuka honey is sourced only from sustainable beekeepers and a portion of every purchase is donated to help bee-sustainability.

Manuka Honey clearly has tons more to offer than your ordinary honey apart from being used to sweeten food or as alternative to sugar. It has been traditionally used for its health benefits.

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Manuka Honey Grading System

With the onset of globalization and progress of free-trade, many have ventured into the business of Manuka Honey. Inevitably, as the number of producers grew, it became hard to determine which Manuka Honey produced is authentic and which is not. To maintain the special quality of Manuka Honey for which it became known, a standardized grading system was created. This system became known as the Unique Manuka Factor or the “UMF”. 

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) System determines the potency of Manuka honey, and producers use the UMF grading system to classify and rate it accordingly. The “UMF” System indicates the concentration level of Methylglyoxal, an ingredient in Manuka honey which is likely responsible for its antibacterial effects.  We have listed the below indicators in UMF grading for your convenience.

• Methylglyoxal (MGO/MG) – it gives Manuka Honey its antibacterial properties, the higher the concentration, the stronger the antibiotic effect. MG is derived from the compound DHA
• Leptosperin – indicator which determines that a honey comes from the Manuka Plant
• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) –this compound is found in high concentration in the nectar of the Manuka Flower
• Non-peroxide Activity (NPA) – determines the amount of bioactive compounds present in the Manuka Honey

Unique Manuka Factor or “UMF” is a universally-accepted quality trademark and grading system using the above-mentioned indicators to determine the potency and authenticity of Manuka Honey. 

To help in your selection, here is a list of UMF® Manuka honey products from Pacific Resources International to guide you in choosing your next Manuka Honey jar.

• Manuka Honey UMF® 10+

- PRI’s Manuka Honey UMF® 10+ is 100% raw, Kosher Certified and MGO 263+. 

• Manuka Honey UMF® 20+

-Manuka Honey UMF® 20+ is 100% raw, and has undergone cool processing.

• Mossops Manuka Honey UMF® 10+ 1/2lb; UMF® 15+

- Each batch of Mossop’s Manuka Honey UMF® 10+ and Mossop’s Manuka Honey UMF® 15+   has been laboratory tested to ensure the presence of the UMF® and MG components. 

In conclusion, UMF in Manuka Honey is just one of the many factors to consider in choosing your Manuka honey jar. Take note that its still best to select the right Manuka honey for your specific needs whether it may be for wound care, to add it to your tea, mix it with your favorite recipe or make it a part of your daily routine, in order for you to enjoy the healthy goodness of Manuka honey.