The Wonders of Manuka Honey: A Taste of New Zealand
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is one of New Zealand’s most prized natural products, renowned globally for its unique medicinal qualities and rich flavour. Sourced from the nectar of the native Manuka tree, this honey is not only a delicious treat but also a powerful health aid, revered for its antibacterial properties. From skincare to digestion, Manuka honey has become a go-to for health enthusiasts around the world.
If you’re visiting Queenstown New Zealand, you’ll find that tasting Manuka honey at its source offers a unique, authentic experience. Remarkable Scenic Tours, on their Arrowtown and Around Tour, gives visitors the chance to sample this golden nectar while discovering the charm of the historic town of Arrowtown.
The Magic Behind Manuka Honey
What makes Manuka honey so special is its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound responsible for the honey’s potent antibacterial properties. Unlike ordinary honey, Manuka honey has a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating, indicating its strength. The higher the UMF, the more medicinal the honey, with ratings typically ranging from 5+ to 20+.
Manuka honey's medicinal qualities have long been known to New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people, who used the Manuka tree for healing purposes. Today, the honey is recognized for its ability to support wound healing, digestive health, and immune system function. It’s also a popular ingredient in skincare products, thanks to its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
A Unique Flavor and Health Benefits
Beyond its health benefits, Manuka honey boasts a flavor profile that’s both rich and earthy, with a hint of caramel and slight bitterness. Its bold taste makes it a versatile ingredient, perfect for everything from drizzling on yogurt to sweetening tea or adding depth to savory dishes.
The honey’s health benefits range from soothing sore throats to aiding digestion. Because of its powerful antibacterial properties, Manuka honey is even used in wound care, making it a multipurpose product both in the kitchen and the medicine cabinet.
Tasting Manuka Honey with Remarkable Scenic Tours
While exploring New Zealand, why not indulge in a local delicacy like Manuka honey? Remarkable Scenic Tours’ Arrowtown and Around Tour offers travellers a chance to do just that. The tour includes a stop at a local honey shop where guests can sample different types of Manuka honey and learn about its health benefits and UMF grading.
This tasting experience is a memorable part of the tour, allowing visitors to engage with one of New Zealand’s most famous exports in its purest form. From learning about how the honey is harvested to trying different varieties, the tasting is both informative and delicious.
Manuka Honey as a New Zealand Souvenir
For those looking to take a piece of New Zealand home, Manuka honey is an ideal souvenir. Many of the honey shops featured on the Arrowtown and Around Tour offer a variety of Manuka honey products, from skincare to gourmet jars. Purchasing a jar of this honey not only supports local businesses but also offers a lasting memory of your trip.
Conclusion
Manuka honey is a true symbol of New Zealand’s natural beauty and wellness heritage. With its distinctive flavor and powerful health properties, it’s no wonder that this honey is sought after worldwide. Sampling Manuka honey during your visit, especially through an experience like Remarkable Scenic Tours' Arrowtown and Around Tour, gives you a taste of both the honey itself and the land from which it comes. Whether for its flavour or health benefits, Manuka honey is an unforgettable part of any New Zealand adventure.