We get asked on a daily basis if we stock Manuka Honey, and the answer is no. Let us explain why…

Jarrah and Manuka Honeys are some of the best honeys in the world, sought-after for their medicinal qualities. Whilst they have some similarities, they’re very different, each with their own set of characteristics.

Manuka Honey is very thick and sticky. Dark cream to dark brown in colour with an ‘earthy’ aroma. Has a strong, rich and slightly bitter flavour.

Jarrah Honey is slightly less thick and delivers a subtle, smooth nutty-caramel flavour. Amber in colour, with a low glucose and high fructose level, this is the reason why Jarrah will not crystallise as it’s the glucose in honey that hardens as it gets cooler.

PLANT SOURCE

Manuka Honey

Derived from the Leptospermum Tree, that grows natively in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and New Zealand – note that it is NOT native to Western Australia! Also known as ‘tea tree’ or ‘jelly bush’ honey. 

Manuka will flower every year in summer and, seeing that the trees have been planted all around the world, there is a lot more Manuka Honey in comparison to Jarrah Honey. Every honey lover will have heard of Manuka Honey, believing it to be the best, this is simply because of quantity. More of it = more publicity = society believing it is the best.

Jarrah Honey

Jarrah Honey is derived from the Jarrah tree, a species of Eucalyptus that is UNIQUE to Western Australia. Jarrah Honey is EXCLUSIVELY produced in WA. The tree only flowers every TWO YEARS, for short time between late spring and early summer.

Jarrah’s local origin, especially to us living here in WA, limited blooming season and high healing properties are the main reasons Jarrah Honey is so valuable. 

LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT THE SCIENCE

Manuka – Rated as MGO (methylglyoxal, a uniquely occurring chemical compound found in Manuka Honey) Measurement of mg of methylglyoxal/kg of honey.

Manuka’s antimicrobial effects are caused by methylglyoxal. This also means that Manuka Honey doesn’t contain hydrogen peroxide so it is classed as a “non-peroxide” honey variety. Being a non-peroxide honey, Manuka Honey is up to 50% LESS antimicrobial than Jarrah Honey. However, it’s still effective for wound-healing.

Jarrah – Rated as TA (total activity, a bacterial and fungal killing scale, measuring the peroxide activity and non-peroxide activity in a honey)

Jarrah Honey gets its antimicrobial properties from an enzyme (glucose oxidase) that’s added by the bees as they make the honey. Since Jarrah naturally contains glucose and water, the glucose oxidase reacts with the glucose and the oxygen in the water to produce hydrogen peroxide. It’s this that powers Jarrah Honey with active, healing, antimicrobial properties. Jarrah is also known to contain THREE TIMES MORE antioxidants than Manuka Honey, to help support a healthy immune system.

Comparison table:

Total Activity – Equivalent MGO – Strength Rating
TA5+ MGO 100 Mild 
TA10+ MGO 263 Strong
TA15+ MGO 550 Very Strong
TA20+ MGO 829 Super
TA35+ MGO >1700 Extreme

Note: There is no Manuka Honey sold commercially in Australia that is marketed as higher than MGO 1700 (approx. TA31+).

HEALTH BENEFITS

Manuka

Manuka Honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and is used as a natural remedy. Being antiviral and anti-inflammatory, Manuka honey can be used to treat wounds and prevent infection, help with oral health, soothe a sore throat, soothe ulcers and even fight acne.

Jarrah

Jarrah Honey is antimicrobial and antibacterial but ALSO has antifungal properties. With its high hydrogen peroxide level, Jarrah can stop the growth of bacterial infections. With a low glycemic index, Jarrah is better for diabetics than other honeys and has an ability to natural and effectively heal wounds, skin infections and minor burns.

Final verdict – Well that’s up to you..

All in all, both Jarrah Honey and Manuka are strong medicinal honeys. However, seeing that we reside in Western Australia, we back our Jarrah Honey 100%. We are very lucky to have such a powerful, amazing tasting honey that is produced from a tree that grows natively in our WA soils.

We’d love for you to come and find us and experience our Jarrah Honey for yourselves. Can’t make it in person? Buy online and we’ll deliver or post to you!