Blog / Pacific Resources International

We might have buried the lede on this one. Not that we meant to, of course. For the record, we would never purposefully make such a delicious creation so hard to find.

Remember when we made that Dairy-Free Boba Recipe that tastes like store-bought boba? We couldn’t have made it without one key component - dairy-free sweetened condensed milk or, as some might say, “mylk.”

Your standard sweetened condensed milk contains over 160 grams of refined sugar per cup, making it both amazingly delicious & definitely not for regular consumption. Plus, an estimated 70% of people are lactose intolerant, so it’s important to find options everyone can enjoy - especially around the holidays! 

Since honey contains more fructose than glucose, it is naturally sweeter tasting. This means you can use less honey than sugar in your recipes to achieve the same level of sweetness. We typically swap one cup of sugar for ½ a cup of honey.

What makes it even better is the addition of Manuka honey! Manuka honey is unique because it’s the only honey in the world containing high levels of Methylglyoxal, aka MGO. MGO is the main medicinal component and makes Manuka a powerhouse of antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Since MGO  is not killed off by heat, it’s a great way to sneak some health benefits into your desserts. Not only will no one complain, but they might even appreciate the deeper, more complex flavor that comes from using this fantastic sugar alternative.

Now, back to the tasty stuff! Read on to learn how to make an upgraded, dairy-free version of Sweetened Condensed Milk AND three new, delectable, effortless recipes you can create using it! Scroll down, or click below to view each one:

1-Base Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk

2-Manuka Honey Caramel Sauce

3-The Creamiest Hot Chocolate

4-Chocolate Fudge Truffles

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!

About 75% of the produce grown in the United States has been genetically modified making it difficult to know if the foods we eat have been created by nature or created in a lab. According to the Center for Food Safety, “It has been estimated that upwards of 75% of processed foods on supermarket shelves,… More New Zealand a Non-GMO Country

The competition for Manuka Honey is greater than ever. Many forestry companies and farmers are charging beekeepers resulting in competition for beehive sites. According to stuff.com.nz, “Nelson city councilors found out that the Department of Conservation had pumped up its prices from $6 a hive to $15 for standard hives and $50 for those areas… More Beekeepers battling for the best hive sites as competition ramps up

It’s back to school and the season of snack swapping, make sure you give them something good. Bonus points if they don’t want to swap it 🤪 Maybe that’s wishful thinking? Creating snacks that are quick, inexpensive, nutritious and something all the kids want to eat can feel like a mythical quest. 

The great thing about manuka honey is that it’s packed with brain and body boosting benefits but it’s also sweet and tastes great with most everything (re: kid approved). For as little as $1/day you can incorporate manuka into your kid’s snack routine and it can help:

• Promote better sleep
• Support their immune system by fighting disease causing bacteria and promoting good gut bacteria
• Support brain function

Here are five easy snacks we think you and your kiddos will love:

1. Easy Air Fryer PB&H, three ways!
2. Honey PB Apple “Cookies”
3. Gluten & Yeast Free Soft Pretzels with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
4. Air Fryer Shiitake Mushroom Jerky
5. Peanut Butter Manuka Honey Cereal Bars 

Check out our reel for other fun ideas that don’t need a recipe! Or, if you want something super duper quick and portable, check out our manuka honey sticks!

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• peanut butter 
• 1 tbsp PRI Manuka Honey 60+
• sandwich cutter
• Optional fillings: banana slices, raspberries, jam
• Butter

Instructions:

Ingredients:

• 2 large red delicious apples
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ¼ cup walnuts
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• ¼ cup shredded coconut 
• 2 tbsp PRI Manuka Honey (or more if you like it sweeter)

Instructions:

• 4.5 cups oat flour
• ¼ cup tapioca starch or arrowroot starch
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp PRI Fine Sea Salt
• 2 tbsp PRI Manuka Blend
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
• 1 ½ cups water (warm to the touch)
• ¼ cup baking soda (for the bath)
• 5 cups water

Toppings:

• Egg wash (1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water)
• PRI Flaky Sea Salt

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 425ºF, and line your baking sheet with a silpat mat or parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: oat flour, tapioca or arrowroot, baking powder, cornstarch and sea salt.
• Next, pour the dry mixture into a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.
• Pour in the warm water and turn it on low speed.
• Slowly add in the manuka honey, let it mix for a few seconds and then very slowly add in the coconut yogurt, increase the speed to medium.
• The dough should start to come together and resemble a yeasty dough. If it’s too wet add 1 tbsp of oat flour at a time, if it’s too dry add in 1 tbsp of water at a time.
• Once the dough is formed into a ball. Let the dough sit for 5 minutes. While doing this, bring 5 cups of water and ¼ cup of baking soda to a boil.
• Slice the dough into 8 sections, roll each section in a long rope and then form a horseshoe shape, cross the ends over the other and make a loop, then twist the ends again and loop up to create a pretzel shape. Complete until you have all your pretzels shaped.
• Next, once the baking soda bath has started to boil, drop in 1-2 pretzels at a time with a spatula with holes. Cook each pretzel until it starts to look brown 1-2 minutes, you can flip if you’d like for an even bake and coating.
• Continue until all the pretzels have soaked in the baking soda bath and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
• Create an egg wash but combine 1 egg yolk with 1 tbsp water, and brush it on. Top with PRI Flaky Sea Salt. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Once golden brown, remove from the oven and let cool before serving with honey mustard dipping sauce. Feel free to add more salt if preferred at this point. Store in an air-tight container or ziplock bag.

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup dijon mustard (with or without seeds)
• 3 tbsp  PRI Manuka Honey
• ¼ cup mayo (dairy free works great too!)
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix the dijon mustard with the honey and vegan mayo. Stir until well combined.
• Next, add in yellow mustard, the lemon juice and optional chili powder.
• If your dijon mustard has seeds, throw it in a high speed mixer and blend until more smooth.
• Pour into a sauce dish and dip your pretzels in! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 - 8 oz. packages of shiitake mushroom
• ½ tbsp toasted sesame oil 
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ tbsp PRI Manuka Honey 60+
• ½ tsp liquid smoke
• ½ tsp soy sauce 
• ¼ tsp minced ginger
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder 
• ¼ tsp PRI Chipotle BBQ Salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Rinse the mushrooms and pat them dry with a paper towel. 
• Next, create your marinade by adding all the ingredients into a small bowl and stirring until well combined. 
• Place your mushrooms into a glass container with a lid and pour in your marinade. Place the top on and refrigerate overnight (preferred) or for at least a minimum of 2 hours. Shake the container regularly so the marinade is distributed throughout. 
• Next, remove your mushrooms from the fridge, they should have absorbed most of the liquid, but strain whatever excess marinade there is.  
• Place the mushrooms on a paper towel and pat dry again. 
• Next, place your mushrooms flat in the air fryer and airfry at 180F for 60 minutes. Spray with cooking spray.  After 30 minutes, flip the mushrooms over so they can cook evenly. At 60 minutes, check if they are your desired texture, if not, keep in the airfryer until desired consistency. Remove from airfryer and place on a paper towel one last time to absorb the excess oil. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 6 Cups Of O-Shaped Cereal
• 1 Cup Unsalted Peanut Butter
• ¾ Cup PRI Manuka Honey
• 2 Tbsp  Coconut Oil
• 1 Tsp Vanilla
• ½ Tsp PRI Fine Sea Salt 

Instructions:

• Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
• 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). 
• 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.
• Pour the cheerio mixture into the parchment lined pan and refrigerate overnight or for a few hours until firm.
• 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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This is the cuticle oil for longer, stronger nails & healthy cuticles, .naturally! We all have had cuticle and nail issues and understand we need to take care of them…but what really are the purpose of our cuticles?

Cuticles are actually part of your skin that grows over the bottom of your nail and covers your nail matrix. The nail matrix is the part of your nail that grows so, the cuticle acts as a very important protective barrier for your nails!

This cuticle oil is  a SUPER simple DIY & another great natural health hack!  All you need is:

• Manuka Honey - (1) Honey is a humectant, which basically means it locks in moisture. (2) Manuka is also full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Manuka Oil - (3) Shown to be 33x more effective against most bacteria than tea tree oil & also helps retain moisture. It can also help with brittle nails.

• Coconut Oil AND

• ACV - Both of these ingredients are packed with essential nutrients to help keep your nails strong and repair chipped or brittle nails.

All of these ingredients work together to create a hydrated nail bed, free from invasive bacteria and fungus. Simply mix the ingredients together and you’re done! While you can get inexpensive cuticle pens online and in lots of stores it is optional, just make sure you store the oil in a container with a lid. 

Simply rub into your cuticles and nails, leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse! Do this daily or, if you have problem nails, up to 3x a day.

Resources:

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5038978/

(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941901/

(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694078/

 

The dog days of summer are officially here 🥵. Whether you are keeping cool by the pool or crowded around the air conditioner, keeping hydrated is key. Especially if pool time involves margaritas 😉 

We love a good electrolyte drink to keep us in tip top shape but what we don’t need are unnecessary artificial dyes and ingredients…yuck! Thus, we took one of our favorite flavors and gave it an upgrade which, of course, we just had to share with you!

You might ask: why are electrolytes important anyway and how do they work? Well, electrolytes play a critical role in balancing your body’s pH and in moving nutrients to your cells. They also help balance the water level in your body and regulate your heartbeat. (1)

When you are low on electrolytes you can experience all sorts of issues like blood clots and muscle contractions. Luckily it’s so easy to avoid by simply drinking enough water and incorporating this drink into your summer routine! (2)

Pro tip: if you don’t like fruit punch, you can make it with any juice you prefer. Citrus is also a very refreshing choice! 

Recipe: 

1-2 Servings

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Filtered Water
• 1 Tbsp Manuka Honey
• ½ Cup White Grape Juice
• ¼ Cup Apple Juice
• ¼ Cup Concord Grape Juice
• 2 Tbsp Orange Juice
• 1 Tbsp Pineapple Juice
• ½ Tsp PRI Fine Sea Salt
• ½ Tsp Beet Powder (Optional; For Color)

Instructions:

1. Add 2 cups of water to a large mason jar. Then add in 1 tbsp of manuka honey.  Secure the lid and shake well until the honey is mixed into the water. The liquid should be yellow in color.
2. Remove the lid and add white grape juice, apple juice, concord grape juice, orange juice and pineapple juice. Next, add in sea salt. If you prefer it less salty add ¼ tsp at a time of sea salt.
3. Secure the lid and shake well. If you want the color to be a more true red like classic electrolyte drinks add in ½ tsp of beet powder for color. Optional, but recommended!
4. Shake well and enjoy by itself or served over ice!

Resources:

(1) https://med.libretexts.org/Courses/Sierra_College/Sierra%3A_NUTF10_(Teh)/09%3A_Nutrients_Important_to_Fluid_and_Electrolyte_Balance/9.05%3A_Electrolytes_Important_for_Fluid_Balance

(2) https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=QX9_BZvlItgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=When+you+are+low+on+electrolytes+you+can+experience+all+sorts+of+issues+like+blood+clots+and+muscle+contractions&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiSsfjXhPb4AhWZCIgKHeg2CLEQ6AF6BAgFEAI#v=onepage&q&f=false

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.

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!

Introducing our new Manuka Honey labels! Featuring a clear MGO number on the front and a QR code on the lid, linking to the test results for that specific jar of Manuka Honey! Read on for how to read your test results so you know you’re getting genuine Manuka:

The independent labs that we work with are based all over New Zealand and Australia and the different labs send confirmations in a variety of layouts, which you may notice when purchasing different PRI Manuka honeys! 

However there are key points that you can look for when reading your batch certificate.  

• Sample ID OR lab reference  - Your honey's batch number - This shows the report is for and the batch that your honey came from.

• Manuka honey test results always show 4 key markers, but the two you really need to pay attention to are:

• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) - It gives Manuka Honey its antibacterial properties, the higher the concentration, the stronger the antibiotic effect. MG is derived from the compound DHA.
• Methylglyoxal (MGO) - This compound is found in high concentration in the nectar of the Manuka Flower.

• Your test result for PRI Manuka Honey will alway show these 2 markers, which confirm what you have purchased is active Manuka Honey. 

• The activity marker that is used to determine the different strengths is the Methylglyoxal or MGO level. This is what can be seen on the front of our new labels or in our older labels it is stated on the left hand panel of the jar.

• Your report will show a number in the line or column under or beside the MGO heading. For example if you have purchased our PRI Manuka 10+ or MGO 100+  you may see the following:
• This batch tested at an MGO level of 149. 
• Every batch varies and is rarely exactly MGO 100 and is why we always put the "+" .
• In this example the honey in your jar will be at a minimum a MGO level of 100 but has actually tested higher. 

 

A new year means a fresh start for many people. Many make resolutions in hopes that making a formal commitment to their goals will make them more likely to achieve them. Most of us find however, that they are a lot easier to make than keep! That’s why we’ve rounded up some tips on how to create resolutions you are more likely to keep & achieve:

• Set Attainable Goals - When making a significant change in your lifestyle try to think of  realistic goals and be specific, start with small steps and then build them. Once you have that goal in mind, think about how you can build habits to stay motivated.

• Plan - Yes, planning is essential to achieve your goals. Research says by positively framing your goals, creating fun activities or finding small ways to incorporate activity into your day can help decrease stress and improve your overall outlook toward working on your resolutions.

• Adopt Slowly - Building habits takes time, you don’t have to do it all at once! Always remember to be kind to yourself and be patient. These may seem like small changes, over time, they'll provide huge benefits to be successful. 

• Focus & Commit - Find your why, that’s right! Remind yourself why you are doing this. On tough days, take a few minutes to reflect and reevaluate your strategies. This will help you focus and stay committed during the process, you'll actually help yourself stay on track toward achieving your long-term goals.

• Track Progress - This is a powerful tool to help you stick to your goals, it gives you a realistic picture. This will determine what you need to improve and identify any corrective action which may need to be taken. Remember this is not a race to finish however, putting a deadline for yourself can be a good solution. Deadlines will encourage you to work hard.

• Enjoy & Be Grateful - Remember to enjoy and have fun during the process of achieving your goal because your physical, mental, and emotional health all work together. So after spending time on those resolutions and once you’ve met your goals, write down the things you’re grateful for, this is a good reminder that something you’ve never done before can be fun, too.

The New Year can be an opportunity to improve your lifestyle, so don't give up if you find yourself struggling. Sticking to your resolutions requires dedication and motivation, it becomes easier to achieve if you know your goals. Focusing on small changes can make the process more enjoyable. As a result, you can turn these changes into long-lasting routines.

Resources:

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2795719

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2010/12/making-your-resolutions-stick

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/seven-steps-for-making-your-new-years-resolutions-stick

Leatherwood: the official honey of summer. Yeah, we know...bold statement. But would we lie to you? Never. 

One of the most unique tasting kinds of honey out there with strong floral and citrus notes and a hint of...well something we just can't put our finger on but the flavor combo paired with fruit is a taste experience you do not want to miss. 

Considered one of the rarest kinds of honey in the world Leatherwood is, of course, made by the bees and brought to us with the help of some VERY patient beekeepers. The Leatherwood tree only grows in remote regions of Tasmania and takes 80-100 years to bloom! 

Now, on to the delicious stuff... our favorite way to bring all the summer vibes to your next picnic, bbq, party, or when you just need a tasty, healthy treat on a hot day: Leatherwood Frozen Fruit.

It's really simple - 

Step 1: Pick your fruit (we chose watermelon and blueberries, but you really can't go wrong)

Step 2: Slice your fruit & mix in the Leatherwood honey, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Lay it on a baking sheet and freeze

Step 4: Enjoy! Eat it straight, atop your ice cream, and add it to your water or other favorite beverage...the possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Our family is really lucky to have access to some of this amazing honey and to be able to offer it at a reasonable price. We can't wait to hear what you create!