What are the differences between UMF and MG?
UMF and MG are standardised indicators of the concentration of some of the bioactive chemical compounds found in Manuka honey in any given sample of the stuff. Bioactive chemical compounds, when applied to your skin or digested in your digestive tract, are able to give your body unique assistance in resisting infection, improving skin health and aiding digestion. UMF and MG are two individual grading systems. UMF is an acronym meaning Unique Manuka Factor. UMF is a complete and advanced grading system. It incorporates the measurement of MG levels, but also includes additional testing of authenticity markers of the Manuka Honey. This includes dihydroxyacetone and leptosperin. UMF is an indicator of quality and purity of Manuka honey. MG stands for methylglyoxal, the naturally occurring compound that makes Manuka Honey so unique. An MG rating is a standardised measure of methyglyoxal content and is an indicator of quality.
Is UMF or MG better?
Because UMF is a complete, advanced grading system, it is a purer indicator; but MG is simpler and more straightforward to test. Therefore, you cannot say one is more reliable than another.
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What are the different gradings?
A UMF grading is usually between 5 and 25. A UMF 30 honey is possible but uncommon. A MG grading will be between double digits and 2000 (above 2000 is not common).
In our honeys, MG rating is expressed as [number]+, indicating that the methylglyoxal content is the number or above.
Although UMF and MGO measure different things, there is still a relationship between MG and UMF values.
Below is a table of rough parities.
UMF 5 = MG85
UMF10 = MG265
UMF15 = MG515
UMF20 = MG835
What strength of Manuka honey is best?
The higher the MG the higher the anti-bacterial activity. We recommend MG85 for daily use, MG265 & MG515 for everyday boost and MG835 for maximum strength.
At Avoca, every batch of our Manuka honey is tested for a range of chemical markers to prove it is genuine. Avoca is proud to be a New Zealand company whose hives are in Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Our honey is made and packed in New Zealand.
What is the difference between Manuka honey and regular honey?
Regular honey is smooth and uniform in colour. As stated above, Manuka honey is honey sourced from New Zealand native Manuka trees and contains different MG ratings depending on the product. Compared to regular honey, Manuka honey looks darker and thicker and is more difficult to spread. Manuka honey is sweet and delicious, with the more colour and intensity of the distinctive taste at higher MG.