There is an authentic sweetness born from Nature itself, elevated by the untouched power of New Zealand’s wild landscapes. It’s the unmistakable sweetness of Manuka honey, an exceptionally rare and potent nectar, rich in bioactive compounds that give it antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties.
To preserve the authenticity of such a rare and precious product, the UMF has established internationally recognized guidelines to certify the quality, origin, and potency of Manuka honey. This is why, when you buy Manuka, you should trust only UMF-certified products: it’s the only way to ensure you’re not falling for counterfeits.
But once the honey’s authenticity is verified, what do the different grades actually mean? In this guide, we introduce you to the two most versatile products in the range: 5+ and 10+.
What UMF Grades Are and Why They Matter
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is the most comprehensive quality standard for measuring the natural properties of this honey.
This classification helps us understand what effects to expect from the product we choose, guiding us in the right direction based on our needs. Certified by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand, it measures three key compounds in Manuka honey:
- leptosperin
- MGO (methylglyoxal)
- DHA (dihydroxyacetone)
These natural components are responsible for the antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey. If you’d like to learn more, you can read our in-depth article.
The higher the UMF number, the more concentrated and potent the honey. But potency doesn’t necessarily mean superiority: it means specificity. Each grade has its own purpose and ideal use.
Manuka Honey 5+: Versatility and Sweetness for Everyone
UMF 5+ represents the perfect entry point into the authentic world of Manuka honey. It’s a gentle grade, offering a light yet valuable antibacterial activity, designed to accompany your everyday life with subtlety and refinement. It’s the kind of honey that doesn’t seek to impress with strength but wins you over through consistency: a small daily ritual that becomes an act of self-care, adding a natural touch of elegance to your routine.
It's perfect for stirring into your morning tea, enriching breakfast with a velvety note, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful whenever you want to support your immune system in a soft, natural way.
It is the ideal ally for those discovering Manuka for the first time or for anyone wishing to introduce a light, harmonious habit into their day, something that blends pleasure and wellness without ever being intrusive. UMF 5+ is that quiet touch of elegance that slips effortlessly into your daily life, enhancing every gesture without ever overpowering it. A flawless introduction to an extraordinary honey.
Manuka Honey 10+: Balance and Strength
When the seasons shift or the pace of life accelerates, the body needs deeper support, a grounding force that restores balance and vitality. UMF 10+ is made precisely for this: with a more pronounced antibacterial profile, it becomes a reliable ally whenever you feel the need for a little extra natural protection.
This honey accompanies, supports, and strengthens, contributing to immune resilience and digestive wellness with a delicacy that is both effective and pleasant. It is perfect for promoting gut health, soothing an irritated throat, or giving your natural defenses a gentle boost when fatigue, cold weather, or stress begin to take their toll. UMF 10+ works like a subtle daily shield: present, dependable, and easy to weave into your everyday habits.
It’s the ideal choice for those who treat wellness as a philosophy, who seek natural, authentic, and effective solutions that blend seamlessly into their lifestyle without adding complexity.
Why Choose Otamatapaio Manuka Honey
Our mission is clear: to bring the finest and most iconic New Zealand product, Manuka Honey, to Italy and Europe. Without compromise.
Our Manuka honey is harvested from hives located in the most remote rural areas of New Zealand, where pure air and wild terrain come together to create a truly one-of-a-kind product. We adhere to the strictest standards of quality, authenticity, and potency because we want to offer you a honey that exceeds every expectation.
Everything we do is transparent, because we know that our consumers’ trust is one of our most valuable assets. You can follow the journey of every drop of our honey here, where we share the story of our supply chain.
With Otamatapaio, you enter a world of authentic goodness and natural wellness, 100% pure: let yourself be captivated by the magic of New Zealand.
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