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Chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone with honey jar and milk bottle in background

Ice Cream Recipe Round-Up

Have you been celebrating National Ice Cream Month? It’s so easy to make your own, even if you don’t have an ice cream maker! Here are our top four recipes to keep you cool:

1 - Coffee Sweet Potato Nice Cream: We really think we cracked the code on this one. It honestly tastes JUST like regular ice cream except you could literally eat this every day for breakfast and feel great!

2 - Dairy-Free Spicy Mexican Chocolate Soft Serve: Because some like it hot AND sweet! Soft serve is even easier to make without any gadgets or constant stirring and this one is dairy free too!

3 - Patriotic Honey Pops: Okay, these are not technically ice cream but they are cold, delicious, and fun to make with the kids. 

4 - Honey Labneh Ice Cream with Leatherwood Honey: Created by our friends at Spoonabilites, this one does actually require an ice cream maker but…if you are an ice cream aficionado and want to impress your taste buds with a totally unique experience featuring one of the rarest kinds of honey in the world then this one is for you!

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Honey Candied Orange Peels

Honey Candied Orange Peels

This recipe is a little more time consuming than our usual, but it’s just too good not to share, plus it’s not technically difficult and it only has three ingredients, one of which is optional!

Our Honey Candied Orange Peels may be a little different from the ones you’re used to. The honey gives them more of a jelly texture vs the dryer texture you get when candying with sugar but many who try them say they prefer a softer texture.  

For these, we used our Leatherwood Honey. Leatherwood Honey is considered to be one of the rarest honeys in the world. The Leatherwood tree is mostly found in remote areas of Tasmania and takes 80-100 YEARS to flower! 

Technically, you could use any of our honey for these candied peels but if you have never tried Leatherwood it is definitely an experience and, especially for its rarity, is quite reasonably priced. We put it on ALL the fruits!

We finished these by dipping them in melted Raspberry Manuka Chocolates. This part is optional…though your taste buds may disagree.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and set aside.
  2. Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. 
  3. Peel the oranges by slicing the sides off, and then scoring the skin to easily remove it in larger pieces. Be careful when removing the skin so you can have nice long pieces of orange peels.
  4. Place the orange peels into the saucepan and boil for 8 minutes. Then remove the orange peels with a large spoon, keeping the water in the saucepan. 
  5. Use a paring knife to remove the skin from the orange peel. You should be able to see no white stuff on the orange peel.
  6. Then cut the peels into ¼ inch strips.
  7. Bring the water back to a boil and boil for 8-10 more minutes. Then drain using a strainer and set aside.
  8. In the sauce pan, combine 1 cup of leatherwood honey with 1 cup of water on high heat.
  9. After a few minutes the mixture should start to boil and bubble up. Then lower the heat to medium and cook for a  few more minutes, after a few more minutes place the heat on low and simmer until you have a syrup. The syrup should be sticky and not watery.
  10. Next, add in the orange peels and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, while stirring periodically so the syrup or orange peels doesn’t burn. Once the oranges are translucent it’s time to remove them.
  11. Place the orange peels on the parchment paper and let them dry overnight. Keep the remaining honey orange syrup for cocktails or to use as jam.
  12. Then enjoy! 
  13. An option but recommended step is to dip the candied orange peels in chocolate. Melt PRI Raspberry Manuka Honey Chocolate Patties in a double boiler and dip the end of each orange peel into the chocolate. Then let the chocolate sit in the fridge and enjoy the raspberry orange honey combo! 
  14. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. 

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Cold Relief Tip: Ditch the OJ & Reach for Dark Chocolate Instead!

A 2013 review of 29 clinical trials involving more than 11,000 people showed vitamin C supplementation did not consistently affect the duration or severity of the common cold. 

The authors of the study state: "The failure of vitamin C supplementation to reduce the incidence of colds in the general population indicates that routine vitamin C supplementation is not justified."

So what should you reach for when feeling ill? Research says Zinc! There have been many conflicting studies about Zinc over the years until more recently when scientists discovered that the key is to take zinc within 24 hours of experiencing symptoms. Furthermore, the studies showed that supplementation of Zinc for five months reduced the frequency of colds and antibiotic use. 

Zinc can be taken as a supplement, in lozenge or liquid form; however, many report a lasting bad aftertaste and upset stomach with these methods. Additionally, the most bioavailable form of Zinc is in food. Foods high in zinc include meat, legumes, nuts & seeds, and our favorite: dark chocolate.

Of course, eating more fruits and vegetables and ensuring you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need, including vitamin C, are essential to your overall health and will affect how often you get sick. 

Instead of juice, eat the whole fruit. Fruit juice contains high sugar content without fiber and other nutrients needed to process the sugars slowly. Additionally, eating whole fruits and vegetables is the best way for your body to absorb nutrients. 

Based on these factors and the effectiveness of Manuka honey for cold & flu symptoms, our Manuka Honey Dark Chocolate Patties are a great way to supplement some of your DV of zinc and Manuka honey to reduce symptoms and get you well faster! Dark chocolate lovers & vegans will enjoy the delicious dark chocolate bars from  Solomon’s Gold.

You can also incorporate dark chocolate & Manuka into tasty snacks your whole family will love! Here are a couple of our favorite recipes:

#1 - Chocolate & Honey Rice Cakes: top them with seeds & nuts for even more zinc!

#2 - Coffee Sweet Potato Nice Cream: because dessert can be nutrient-dense, delicious, AND decadent.

#3 - Chocolate Caramel Popcorn: perfect for movie night or an afternoon snack!

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Dessert with ice cream topped brownie, Manuka honey jar, dark chocolate patties, honey dipper, and mug

Air Fryer Molten Honey Lava Cake

Gluten-Free & Ready in Under 30 Minutes!

Do you preplan your desserts, or do they happen on a whim? We never know when that post-dinner craving will strike. When it does, we’ll be ready with these fantastic lava cakes - just mix, wait and bake! 

As with many dishes, who invented lava cakes is in dispute. Some say it originated at a bake-off in 1966, while two pastry chefs each say they developed it in the 1980s, and another insists there was already a dessert like it in France before then. Many of us have a nostalgic connection to this dessert no matter where it began, as it became wildly popular in the 1990s. 

Lava cakes were named for their liquid chocolate center, and our recipe uses our favorite PRI Dark Chocolate Patties to create this ooey-gooey delicious core! Since the patties come in five flavors, you can pick your favorite! We tried caramel and coffee, which were both amazing!

The bonus of using manuka honey in your desserts is its impressive oral care benefits. Manuka Honey will help reduce plaque by preventing the development of biofilms, which make plaque harder to remove. It also restricts bacteria formation preventing tooth cavities and other gum problems like periodontal disease, gingivitis, bleeding, receding gums, dry mouth, and bad breath.

Of course, while brushing your teeth afterward is still recommended, you certainly wouldn’t get the same benefits from other sweeteners and other types of honey!

Serves: 1-2

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Sift the oat flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Then add in almond milk, manuka honey, and vanilla. Stir until the batter is well combined and the honey is incorporated throughout. Let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes to bubble up.
  3. Grease a ramekin with oil or spray and then fill it halfway with the batter. Then place in one or two manuka chocolate patties and fill to the top with the rest of the batter.
  4. Air fry for 12-14 minutes at 360°F. The cook time depends on the individual air fryer, so you check on it around the 8-minute mark. The longer you cook it, the less gooey it will be.
  5. Remove from the air fryer and let cool. Top with ice cream or powdered sugar, and enjoy!
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Manuka honey cereal bars cut into squares with honey, milk, and peanut butter on a light table.

Peanut Butter Manuka Honey Cereal Bars

What makes the perfect snack? We like ours to be healthy, tasty & not straight out of a box. If we already have the ingredients, that’s an added plus! 

We hope these PB-MH Bars check all of your boxes too. It only requires about 10 minutes of your time and then a bit of patience while they firm up in the fridge. This is also a great recipe for the kids to help with and is easily customized. Here are some ways you could switch it up:

  • Use your favorite cereal
  • Use your favorite nut or seed butter
  • Add nuts, seeds or dried fruit
  • Melt your favorite Manuka Dark Chocolate Patty flavor over the top!

Any way you do it, they make a tasty part of a balanced breakfast, after-lunch dessert or on-the-go snack.

Here is what you need:

Instructions:

  1. Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine peanut butter with manuka honey and coconut oil and stir on low heat until well incorporated throughout (2-3 minutes). 
  3. Turn the heat off and stir in vanilla and sea salt. Then add in 3 cups of cheerios and stir until they are covered in the peanut honey mixture. Pour in the remaining 3 cups and gently stir until well incorporated. It should be similar to rice crispy treats and stick together.
  4. Pour the cheerio mixture into the parchment lined pan and refrigerate overnight or for a few hours until firm.
  5. Slice into bars and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge to enjoy for a week or freeze to enjoy later.
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International Bath Day

There is nothing like a lengthy soak in a bath of warm water to melt the stress away, so make sure to set a date with your tub as often as possible. And to make it extra soothing, you can add Manuka Honey, Manuka Oil, and Sea Salt; all ingredients which will leave the skin feeling smoother, softer, and brighter. The combined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory & pH balancing benefits can help remove toxins, and dead skin cells, and cleanse your skin’s pores deeply keeping your skin moisturized and nourished. Here are some of our favorite recipes to take your bath from average to “oh my goodness, I feel so much better!”

  • Rejuvenate with Fresh Mint and Herbs
  • Need a mental and physical refresh? Whip up this recipe for Calendula and Mint infused herbal bath salts, which will calm your mind and soothe your body. These bath salts feature our Bio-Gro Certified Sea Salt, full of trace minerals to infuse your bath with relaxation. These bath salts were created by our friend Colleen. Click here for the recipe - https://www.growforagecookferment.com/herbal-bath-salt/

  • Simply Rejuvenating Bath Soak 
  • When you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, but you know you need a dip in the tub, you can spruce up your bath with just two ingredients that are nutrient-dense, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory (as well as being known relaxants,) that will help you de-stress and feel better. 

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups of Pacific Sea Salt
    • 3-5 drops of Manuka Oil
    • Stir the salt into a hot bath to dissolve, and then let the water cool to your preferred soaking temperature. Add in the drops and soak to your heart’s content.
  • Silky Smooth Manuka Bubble Bath
  • When you are feeling spent, it might be time to spend some time in a luxury bath full of delicious ingredients that will leave you feeling silky-smooth and ready for anything that comes your way!

    Ingredients:

    • 1/3 cup sweet almond oil
    • 1/3 cup PRI Manuka Honey
    • 1/2 cup unscented body soap
    • 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
    • Optional: a few drops of a favorite essential oil (though the honey smell is divine as is!) In a mixing bowl, combine all of the above ingredients until smooth. Use right away or keep stored in a lidded container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. To use: pour 1/4 cup-1/2 cup under running water. Enjoy!

    And if you need a quick option - simply scoop a couple of tablespoons of our Manuka honey directly under the warm running water as you fill the tub. Then soak the day away, while you relax and allow your skin to enjoy the healing power of the honey.




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    Is Honey Safe to Eat While Breastfeeding?

    Answering your Most Searched Questions about Manuka Honey

    In this edition, we celebrate World Breastfeeding Month and answer the question: Is honey safe to eat while breastfeeding? 

    The short answer is: yes, you can eat as much honey as you wish. In fact, it is considered a galactagogue, (5) meaning a food (or herb) that aids in milk production.

    Many ask this question since there is a concern about botulism in babies until 1 year old. At this age their digestive system lacks enough acidity in the stomach to kill botulism causing bacteria. Symptoms may begin as early as a few hours or 12-36 hours after consumption. Symptoms in infant botulism include constipation, blurred vision and muscle weakness.  (1) 

    However, you cannot transmit botulism via your milk so you just need to ensure that any babies under the age of 1 don't have direct access, so it's best not to use it directly on your skin and to wash your hands after consuming.

    There are actually many benefits to taking manuka honey while breastfeeding besides supporting milk production. Due to manuka's unique benefits like providing both a natural energy boost without the crash AND more restful sleep (4) depending on when you take it, supporting your immune system (3), and much more.

    It can also be a great help if you have a sore throat, cold, or flu since many OTC medicines often contain ingredients that are contraindicated while breastfeeding. Additionally manuka honey has been found more effective against these symptoms than OTC medicines! (6) (7)

    Resources:  

     (1)https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/botulism/fact_sheet.htm

    (2)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7178798/

    (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8347116/

    (4)https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04207281

    (5)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9246572/

    (6)https://ebm.bmj.com/content/26/2/57

    (7)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/

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    Hot Manuka Honey Salami Pizza

    Spicy, savory, salty and just the right amount of sweet - this pizza has it all! Using store bought crust makes it a quick & easy weeknight meal but we also included a link to our gluten free dough recipe in case you want to go all in.

    If you’ve never tried hot honey on your pizza please be aware that it is highly addictive. Customize the spice level to your preference or just serve it on the side for those who can’t handle any heat. They’ll never know what they’re missing out on. 

    Pair it with a simple side salad and you have a well-rounded meal and we’re not just talking about the shape of the pizza! 



    Hot Manuka Honey

    Pizza Ingredients:

    • 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough 
    • 1 jar pizza sauce (use as needed)
    • 1 ½ cups low moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
    • 5-8 slices calabrese salami
    • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
    • fresh basil, thinly sliced for topping
    • red pepper flakes, for topping
    • 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning, for crust (optional)
    • homemade hot manuka honey

     

    Hot Honey Instructions:

    1. In a saucepan, combine manuka honey, red pepper flakes and hot sauce.
    2. Stir well on low heat, once it starts to bubble up (around 3 minutes) turn the heat off and continue to stir.
    3. Strain the honey over a mesh sieve to remove the pepper flakes and transfer to a jar to cool. Set aside.

    Pizza Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 475F, let pizza dough sit according to package instructions. 
    2. Lightly flour a cutting board and roll out dough or use your hands to form the shape of pizza desired.
    3. Place parchment paper over a pizza stone or pizza pan, then transfer the pizza dough onto it.
    4. Cover the pizza with sauce, using as much or little as you like. Then top with a generous amount of low mozzarella, calabrese salami and red onion. Brush olive oil on the crust and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on the edges.
    5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden and the cheese has melted.
    6. Remove from heat and top with fresh basil, red pepper flakes and a generous drizzle of hot honey over top.
    7. Slice and enjoy!
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    Jar of Manuka honey with honey dipper, surrounded by Manuka flowers on a wooden table

    Everything You Need to Know About Manuka Honey

    Manuka Honey is a monofloral honey produced from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium tree. Unlike regular honey, its potency is measured by Methylglyoxal (MGO), a stable antibacterial compound. Used for wound care, digestive health, and immune support, it is considered a 'medical-grade' functional food.

    1. The Basics
    2. What Is MGO: Manuka Vs Regular Honey
    3. Uses Of Manuka:
    3a: Burn & Wound Treatment
    3b: Acne & Other Skin Concerns
    3c: Oral Health
    3d: Sore Throat
    3e: Digestive Health
    3f: Influenza Vs Manuka
    3g: Allergy Symptoms Vs Honey
    3h: Manuka For Pets
    4. Monofloral Vs Multifloral Manuka Honey
    5. Australian Vs New Zealand Manuka Honey
    6. What To Look For When Purchasing To Ensure You Are Getting Real Manuka Honey
    7.Different Manuka Labels And What They Mean (MGO, UMF, K-Factor)
    8. How To Read The Test Results (+ The Other Key Compounds In Manuka)
    9. How To Choose The Right Strength For Your Needs And Recommended Dosage
    10. Other Ways To Incorporate Manuka + Our Top 10 Food & Beauty Recipes To Get Your Creative Juices Flowing!

    Want us to cover a topic you don’t see here? Reach out on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram or go old school and give us a ring, Monday through Friday at (805) 684-0624

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    What makes Manuka Honey different from regular honey?

    A selection of PRI Manuka Honey Jars in a kitchen setting  

    ​​Manuka Honey is made in New Zealand & Australia by bees who pollinate the Manuka tree and contains MGO, short for methylglyoxal,  a compound not found in other types of honey. This compound gives Manuka honey unique health benefits.

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    MGO vs. Regular Honey: Why Manuka is Unique?

    There are many different types of honey, each with its own unique characteristics but the most common question we get is: how is Manuka honey different from regular honey? 
    To answer that, we first need to determine what “regular” honey is! Let’s say it can fall into two categories:

    1- Multifloral, processed & pasteurized honey, often mixed with other sweeteners

    2- Raw honey, from multi or monofloral sources excluding Manuka
    Assuming we can agree that any raw honey is far superior to the first category,  let’s dive into the differences between manuka honey and other raw honey types. 

    The biggest difference, of course, is the MGO! Yup, you’ll hear that abbreviation a whole lot around here & find it prominently displayed on the front of our jars. That’s because MGO stands for methylglyoxal and it is what gives manuka its magic. Not found in any other honey, MGO has a range of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. 

    Now you might say that regular raw honey also has these benefits and, technically, you would be correct. However, with these honey types, the benefits come from peroxide activity. This activity doesn’t do much for the human body. Since too much peroxide is bad for us, we have an enzyme called Catalyse which quickly breaks peroxide down into water and oxygen making its effects very short-lived.

    Your body's defenses do not attack MGO, so you can take full advantage of its benefits inside and out! 

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    Therapeutic Uses and Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

    The therapeutic power of Manuka honey stems from its unique 'Non-Peroxide Activity,' driven primarily by high concentrations of Methylglyoxal (MGO). This stable, bio-active compound allows Manuka to maintain its antibacterial potency where regular honey falters, making it a versatile tool for everything from soothing internal digestive pathways to supporting external skin repair.

    There are so many benefits to manuka honey both when used externally and internally and we’ve listed some of our favorites below.  As always, we’ve included study links, but also encourage you to do your own research! There are far more amazing uses and studies related to manuka honey than we could ever cover here.

    3a:  Burn & Wound Treatment - Historically, honey has been recognized around the world for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote healing, tissue regeneration, and reduce pain.  It has even been found effective against many antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Combined with its humectant effect, this makes manuka honey uniquely superior to many traditional treatments. Read more here.

    3b: Acne and other skin concerns - More & more studies are finding what traditional medicine knew all along: That honey is efficacious in treating a range of skin disorders from acne to eczema & psoriasis. You can add manuka honey to your daily skincare routine to improve your skin’s appearance by fighting bad bacteria and inflammation, and keeping your skin healthy, moisturized, and nourished. 

    3c: Oral Health : Manuka Honey will help reduce plaque by preventing the development of biofilms, which make plaque harder to remove. It also restricts bacteria formation preventing tooth cavities and other gum problems like periodontal disease, gingivitis, bleeding, receding gums, dry mouth, and bad breath.

    3d: Natural Relief for Sore Throats, Coughs, and Colds: Recent studies have shown that manuka is more effective than OTC products against sore throat & cough due to its unique anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to inhibit the development of strep throat and even stimulate immune cells! 

     3e: Digestive Health: Manuka has been found to act as a prebiotic by stimulating the growth of good bacteria, while at the same time its antibacterial effects actively fight against disease-causing bacteria. It has shown promise in treating a range of digestive issues from IBS and ulcerative colitis to C. diff. 

    3f: Influenza vs Manuka: A recent study showed that manuka honey may be just as, if not more effective, against the flu than the popular OTC drugs. Tested against a common flu strain and also against other types of honey, manuka showed the highest potency and ability to actually inhibit the growth of the virus. Additionally, it has been found more effective than traditional treatments such as antibiotics in treating symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs)

    3g: Allergy Symptoms: Despite what you may have heard, studies show that honey cannot cure your allergies. Even local honey and yes, even our honey! That said, the unique antibacterial & anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey are shown effective against a range of allergy symptoms and related diseases making it a great natural allergy relief alternative to OTC options. Read more here.

    3h: Manuka for Pets: Many pets can appreciate the same benefits from Manuka honey that we do. It's used widely to treat burns, wounds, hot spots & other skin issues on all sorts of animals, especially dogs, cats and horses. Dogs can also take advantage of its benefits internally for oral health, as a prebiotic, for added immune protection & much more. Read more about its uses, as well as how much to give your pet based on their size, here.

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    Mono vs Multi-Floral Manuka Honey

    While most monofloral honey (i.e. clover, orange blossom, etc.) is pollen tested to prove its’ source, Manuka honey regulations are even more involved.  

    In order for Manuka honey to be certified as Monofloral, the nectar must be predominantly Manuka and when tested the honey must contain a higher level of two of the four naturally occurring markers. Monofloral Manukas tend to come in higher strengths as the concentration of Manuka is higher.

    Multifloral Manuka is created when honeybees forage from the Manuka flower and other floral sources. To be classified as Multiflora Manuka, the honey must contain mainly Mānuka nectar and meet four naturally occurring markers.  Here is an example markers test.
     
    What does this mean for you? If you wish to obtain the optimal benefits that Manuka offers, Monofloral is your ticket. However, if you’re looking for smooth, tasty honey that still has more naturally occurring benefits and is cost competitive vs other raw honey, Multifloral is for you!

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    Australian vs New Zealand Manuka Honey

    Manuka was discovered in New Zealand and thought to occur only there until much more recently. We now know Australia is host to over 80 species of Leptospermum, including the exact same plant - Leptospermum Scoparium - as is found in NZ. 

    Due to the larger variety of manuka species, Australian manuka honey has a different flavor and color profile & is less likely to crystalize. There is also less government oversight, a larger territory, and a longer Manuka flowering season, all factors which contribute to its lower price point. 

    The key factor is that both our Australian & New Zealand manuka lines are independently tested for and contain the active ingredient, MGO (methylglyoxal), giving Manuka its unique potency. You can see test results for both lines via the QR code on the jar lids. 

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    What to look for when purchasing to ensure you are getting real Manuka honey.

    By now you know that no matter what the label says (UMF, K-Factor, NPA) what you need to look for is the MGO concentration. If you cannot find the MGO amount…well, buyer beware!
     
    On our New Zealand Manuka Honey Labels, we are required by the NZ MPI  to include the following statement:  “The 100% raw Manuka Honey in this jar was independently tested to ensure it has an MGO content of over 200+ mg/kg. This honey is compliant with Manuka Honey standards set by the NZ Ministry for Primary Industries. Product of New Zealand.”
     
    While this is not currently required for manuka honey exported from Australia, we still put it through the same independent testing that our New Zealand line must go through, and, just like with our NZ line, you can access those test results via the QR code on the jar’s lid. Being able to access test results is important to ensure you are purchasing genuine manuka honey.
     
    It is also prudent to look for where the honey was jarred. For instance, our jars read: “Sourced, packed and independently tested in New Zealand exclusively for and distributed by: PRI…” 
     
    Some brands export manuka from NZ in bulk containers and then mix it with other honey before jarring since there are no regulations for manuka in other countries, while others jar in NZ but hide their MGO content in order to sell you low-strength manuka at a higher price. This is why it’s important to look for both the MGO content and where the honey is jarred. 
     
    As the original importers of manuka to the U.S., we brought in manuka before they even knew what MGO was!! Having been there are all stages of knowledge about this amazing natural product, we have always strived to provide the most transparency possible. If you’d like to learn more about this & why our new labels are so important, click here.

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    Different Manuka labeling and what they mean (MGO, UMF, K-Factor)

    With so many different manuka labels, it can be hard to figure out which manuka honey to purchase & which brand you can trust. What do all of those abbreviations even mean? 

    Let’s start by looking at what the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries says: 

    Honey labeled as mānuka for export must be tested by an MPI-recognised laboratory to make sure it meets the new mānuka honey definition.”

    The mānuka honey definition is made up of a combination of 5 attributes (4 chemicals from nectar and 1 DNA marker from mānuka pollen).”

    Now that we know what is required for manuka honey to leave the shores of NZ, let’s look at some different terms you see on various manuka honey labels and what they really mean:

    #1 - MGO. Short for methylglyoxal, MGO is the key medicinal component in manuka honey. Per MPI requirements all genuine manuka labeling should be based on this marker and indicated on the label. We put our MGO number right up front, so you don’t have to search for it. 

    #2 - UMF. Short for “Unique Manuka Factor”. UMF is a grading system, based on the NPA level of the honey & developed by a privately funded club: The UMF Honey Association. They will grant a license to a company's product if it is tested and found to meet the specific UMF standards & give permission to use their logo on the label. This logo does add more cost to the end product and according to the new rules laid out by MPI, UMF can only be used as a purity grade, not an activity grade so you still need to look for the MGO number on the jar. 

    #3 - K-Factor. This labeling does not indicate the medicinal quality and/or activity of manuka honey. The company that uses this labeling states that their definition of k-Factor is built around 5 key factors: “Traceability from hive to home, raw & unpasteurized, non-GMO verified, produced & packed in NZ, and free of antibiotics, glyphosate, and pesticides.” None of these tell you anything about the activity (MGO) content and antibacterial ability of the product, nor will you find the MGO level anywhere on their jars. 

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    Beyond MGO -  the other key compounds in manuka. Plus, how to read your test results:

    MGO may be the hero with the most star power, but it couldn’t even exist without these other key compounds, along with four markers the NZ MPI looks for and are required for the export license

    • DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) - This gives Manuka Honey its antibacterial properties, the higher the concentration, the stronger the antibiotic effect. MG is derived from the compound DHA.
    • NPA: short for “non-peroxide activity”, this is the original term to describe Manuka’s unique activity and is the same as UMF.
    • HMF: This is a marker used to ensure the honey is properly stored and has not been heated in any way. 

    But don’t worry - when you are reading your test results you don’t have to keep track of all of them! You really just need to look at the MGO and DHA numbers. For full instructions and an example test result, click here or learn via video.

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    How to choose the right strength for your needs. 

    Let us help you save some money honey…or, honey money? Not sure, but either way, we’re all tightening our spending right now and the reality is…you don’t need the highest strength to get the benefits.

    In fact, your body can only use so much at a time anyway! Here is a chart to help you choose the right one for your needs & lifestyle:
     
    What is a good strength for Manuka Honey?  See the uses and Manuka Honey ratings table below.

    MGO Strength

    Suggested Use

    PRI Manuka Honey Blend 50+

    Everyday Sweetener! If you use honey a lot but want it to have some extra benefits, this is a great low-budget option.

    PRI 60+ Manuka Honey

    Everyday Sweetener. Another great lower budget option for honey enthusiasts.

    PRI Manuka Honey 100+

    Everyday Immune Support.

    PRI Manuka Honey 200+ and +300

    General and Digestive Health Maintenance, Skin Health.

    Manuka Honey 600+

    Best for specific health concerns like digestive & inflammatory conditions, cold & flu season, and helping to soothe specific skin conditions such as Rosacea, Eczema, and Psoriasis.

    PRI Manuka Honey 1000+

    Extreme skin conditions, inflammatory conditions, upper respiratory infections, MRSA & much more!

     

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    Other ways to incorporate manuka + our top 10 recipes to get your creative juices flowing  😋

    Drink it, dip it, blend it, bake it, take it - incorporating manuka into your daily routine couldn’t be easier!   

    Whether you simply add a tablespoon a day as part of your wellness routine, incorporate it into your favorite foods, make your own skincare recipes or add it to your beverages the possibilities really are endless. Here are our top 5 edible recipes and our top 5 body care recipes to get your creative juices flowing:
     
    #1 - Strawberry Honey Lime Mimosas: why not add benefits to your bubbles?
     
    #2 - Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Using Scraps: upgrade your ACV shots with the power of MGO!
     
    #3 - Sweet Potato Mocha Ice Cream: we cracked the code and made a nutritious ice cream that doesn’t make us miss our Ben & Jerry’s. 
     
    #4 - Lemon Twist Dessert Hummus: already a delicious & nutritious dessert, we made it even better with our Lemon Twist Manuka Honey. 
     
    #5 - Honey Boba Tea: tastes just like the boba you love only this one is dairy & refined sugar-free. 
     
    BODY CARE
     
    #1- Manuka Honey & Propolis Salve by GrowForageCookFerment: toss your Neosporin, this simple salve has all the same pros, with none of the cons. 
     
    #2 - Manuka & ACV Cuticle Treatment: protecting your cuticles is key to having healthy nails. This treatment also protects against fungus and has only 4 ingredients!
     
    #3 - Manuka Exfoliator: the single ingredient method to gently exfoliate. Technically not a recipe but absolutely necessary information!
     
    #4 - Moisturizing Bath Soak: This one is so easy, we’ll just drop it here. Dissolve two tablespoons of manuka into a cup of warm water, add to the bath, and enjoy.
     
    #5 - Manuka Honey Facial Spray: spray the dry skin away with green tea & nature’s best humectant - Manuka honey!
     
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    Verified by David Noll, Founder of PRI and the original pioneer who introduced Manuka Honey to the U.S. in 1987. With 40 years of experience in New Zealand honey sourcing, David ensures every fact in this guide meets our purity and transparency standards
     


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    Hand holding chocolate-covered rice cake with peanut butter and Manuka honey jar

    Healthy “Snickers” Frozen Yogurt Bars

    At P.R.I., we're all about savoring the sweet moments in life while nourishing our bodies. That's why we're excited to bring you a delectable wholesome treat: Healthy “Snickers” Frozen Yogurt Bars! These bars are not only scrumptious but also packed with ingredients that provide whole-body benefits. Bonus: they taste just like a Snickers ice cream bar!

    Let’s dive into the beneficial ingredients and what they do:

    1. Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt: Starting with a creamy base, coconut yogurt adds a rich texture while being dairy-free. It's also a source of healthy fats and probiotics that support gut health. Feel free to swap with regular, organic yogurt if you can eat dairy!

    2. Peanut Butter: Peanut butter introduces a delightful nutty flavor, along with protein and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to help keep you satisfied for longer.

    3. Vanilla Protein Powder: Boost your protein intake with a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Protein aids muscle repair and keeps you full, making it an ideal post-workout snack. 

    4. PRI Manuka Honey 500+ MGO: Our star ingredient, Manuka Honey 500+, infuses natural sweetness and its remarkable antibacterial properties. It's a delicious way to support your immune system and overall wellness.

    5. Chopped Nuts: A blend of peanuts, cashews, and almonds provides a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

    Serves: 2 big ice cream bars or 4 small ice cream bars

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
    • ⅓ cup runny peanut butter
    • 3 tbsp vanilla protein powder (optional)
    • 1 tbsp PRI Manuka Honey 500+
    • 3 tbsp mini chocolate chips
    • 2-3 tbsp chopped nuts (we used a blend of peanuts, cashew, and almonds)
    • 1 cup chocolate chips
    • 2 tbsp coconut oil

    Instructions:

    1. Mix unsweetened coconut yogurt, runny peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, and PRI Manuka Honey 500+ in a bowl. This blend delivers a protein-packed, probiotic-rich batter that's a feast for your taste buds.

    2. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips for a burst of sweetness and crunch.

    3. Spoon the mixture onto parchment paper in a circular shape, creating the base of your bars. Insert a popsicle stick and layer on more batter until it covers the stick.

    4. Top your bars with a generous sprinkle of chopped nuts. Nuts not only add a delightful texture but also provide essential nutrients for overall well-being.

    5. Freeze your bars for 1-2 hours until they become firm.

    6. After your bars have firmed up, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth. Use this heavenly mixture to coat your bars. A chocolaty shell adds an exquisite touch to your creation.

    7. Freeze your bars for an additional 10 minutes to set the chocolate.

    8. Finally, remove them from the freezer, and voilà! You're ready to enjoy!

    These bars are not only delicious but also a easy & fun!. They make for the perfect treat that brings joy to everyone. Tag us on social media when you make these bars. We'd love to see your creations!

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    Manuka honey protein balls in a white bowl, with Manuka honey jar and raspberry honey snacks in background

    Healthy Cookie Dough Bites

    Featuring your Favorite PRI Manuka Chocolate Patties

    Unsolicited opinion incoming: Edible cookie dough will never ever go out of style. Did you know that recipes for “eatable cake mixes” have been found dating back to the 1800s? Basically, they were the OG edible cookie dough. What do you think? Will edible cake dough be the next big thing? 

    In any case, we made these cookie dough bites with our best-selling Raspberry Manuka Chocolate Patties in place of chocolate chips. If you aren’t a fan of raspberry, don’t worry, they come in five other amazing flavors: orange, salted caramel, coffee, ginger, and mint. We’ve also added vanilla protein powder for extra nutrition.

    That said, we would never present you with a recipe that swaps flavor and texture for health.  As we always say, we believe in having, eating, enjoying, AND getting benefits from your dessert.

    Healthy Cookie Dough Bites

    Ingredients:

    Instructions:

    Whisk almond butter, manuka honey, vanilla, and milk in a large bowl until combined. Then sift in oat flour and vanilla protein powder. Stir until a thick dough forms. If it’s too dry add 1 tbsp of milk at a time until you get a consistency in which you can roll the dough into a ball. Next, chop up manuka chocolate patties and gently stir them into the dough until combined. Scoop the doubt and roll into balls. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, and then enjoy!

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    Hand holding chocolate Manuka honey cluster with sprinkles above bowl, Manuka honey product pouch in background

    Sweets For Your Sweet: 5 Easy Treats Anyone Can Make For Their Honey

    Sweets for your sweet: 5 easy treats anyone can make for their honey.

    With Valentine's Day around the corner, it's time to start thinking about something special you can do for your honey or yourself! 

    Whether they enjoy something sweet, tart, chocolatey, crunchy, or boozy, we have you covered with our Valentine’s Day recipe round-up.

    Here are five of our most popular easy treats anyone can whip up:

    #1 - Chocolate Fudge Truffles: starting with our dairy-free sweetened condensed milk base, this no-bake recipe might have you drooling over the pan. 

    #2 - Peach Pistachio Cardamom Honey Tart: if you want a treat that looks and sounds fancy but is secretly simple, this recipe is for you! 

    #3 - Honey Buns: The name alone makes this the perfect Valentine's Day treat. Plus, what's better than the aroma of freshly baked buns, especially when you can make them in your air fryer? 

    #4 - Chocolate Caramel Popcorn: Perfect for an intimate movie date and just fancy looking enough to show you put in some effort! This recipe uses our chocolate patties which come in six flavors so that you can pick their favorite. 

    #5 - Strawberry Honey Lime Mimosas: If a special cocktail is more your jam, these mimosas taste amazing and are pretty too!

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