The history of Manuka honey: from Maori tradition to now

A precious nectar with ancient roots

Manuka honey isn’t just a “honey”: it is the final result of a fascinating story going back to ancient Maori traditions. Considered a real natural treasure, it has been a traditional remedy for centuries before becoming a luxurious product known across the globe. Let’s discover the extraordinary journey of this honey, from its origins to now.

The origins: a gift from nature and Maori tradition

Did you know that Manuka honey is bound to Maori tradition? The plant from which it comes was used as a natural remedy by these ancient people, and had a symbolic value in their culture.

Leptospermum scoparium, a sacred plant

Manuka honey gets its name from the Manuka plant, scientific name Leptospermum scoparium, a species from New Zealand. For Maori people, this plant wasn’t just a natural resource, but a fundamental element of their traditional medicine. The leaves were used for herbal teas with soothing properties, while the honey produced by bees was considered a powerful ally for health.

The use of Manuka honey in Maori culture

The ancient Maori knew very well the extraordinary properties of Manuka honey. They used it to treat wounds, infections and digestive problems, and gave it a mystic value. In each tribe, the knowledge of medicinal plants was handed down from generation to generation, and Manuka honey held a place of honor in their healing tradition.

The discovery of Manuka honey in the Western society

How did we go from Maori wisdom to the actual use of Manuka honey, loved and shipped everywhere across the globe? Credit goes to a scientific researcher.

The first contact with European colonizers

With the arrival of European colonizers in the XVIII century, New Zealand became a widely explored land for its natural resources. Colonizers started to observe and document the ancient Maori practices. However, for many years it remained a niche product, known only locally.

How Manuka honey caught the attention of Western science

It was only around 1980 that Manuka honey caught the attention of the Western scientific community. Doctor Peter Molan, a researcher at Waikato University in New Zealand, discovered that this honey has unique antibacterial properties, thanks to the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO). This discovery completely changed the honey market, making Manuka honey the beneficial superfood we know today.

From tradition to modernity: a luxury honey

In the last decades, Manuka honey went from traditional remedy to high-end product wanted worldwide. The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) certification system was introduced to certify the honey’s quality and authenticity, and guarantee the benefits discovered by science.

A symbol of excellence and wellbeing

Today, Manuka honey isn’t just a food, but a real luxury elixir. From starred kitchens to the homes of thousands of wellness enthusiasts, this honey is appreciated for its properties and its long history.

Choosing Manuka honey means diving into an ancient tradition, made of respect for nature and knowledge passed down for generations. A refined nectar bringing with it the authentic taste of history.