Jarrah Honey vs Manuka Honey - The Great Debate!
We get asked on a daily basis if we stock Manuka Honey, and the answer is no. And with good reason. When it comes to Jarrah Honey Vs Manuka honey, the truth is that Jarrah trumps Manuka by far. Let us explain why…
Jarrah and Manuka honeys are among the finest in the world, prized for their medicinal properties, and we in Australia are fortunate to have easy access to both. While they share some similarities, each has its own unique characteristics. Manuka Honey is notably thick and sticky, ranging in colour from dark cream to deep brown, and it boasts an earthy aroma along with a strong, rich, and slightly bitter flavour. In contrast, Jarrah Honey is slightly less viscous and offers a subtle, smooth nutty-caramel taste. Its amber hue, combined with low glucose and high fructose levels, prevents Jarrah Honey from crystallising, as it’s the glucose that hardens when cooled.
Jarrah Honey Vs Manuka Honey - Plant Sources
Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is derived from the Leptospermum tree, which grows natively in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and New Zealand—not in Western Australia, as often mistakenly thought. Commonly referred to as ‘tea tree’ or ‘jelly bush’ honey, Manuka trees bloom every summer. With the widespread planting of these trees around the world, there is significantly more Manuka Honey available compared to Jarrah Honey. Many honey enthusiasts recognize Manuka Honey and consider it the best, largely due to its abundance. More availability leads to greater publicity, fostering the perception that it is superior.
Jarrah Honey
Jarrah Honey is sourced from the Jarrah tree, a unique species of Eucalyptus that is found exclusively in Western Australia. This honey is produced solely in WA, as the tree flowers only once every two years, and for a brief period between late spring and early summer. The local origin of Jarrah, combined with its limited blooming season and remarkable healing properties, contributes to the exceptional value of Jarrah Honey.
The Science Behind Jarrah Honey and Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is rated based on its MGO (methylglyoxal) content, which measures the amount of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram of honey. The antimicrobial properties of Manuka Honey are attributed to this compound, which means it does not contain hydrogen peroxide, classifying it as a “non-peroxide” honey variety. As a result, Manuka Honey is up to 50% less antimicrobial than Jarrah Honey. Nevertheless, it remains effective for wound healing.
Jarrah Honey is rated based on its TA (total activity), a scale that measures both bacterial and fungal activity, reflecting the honey’s peroxide and non-peroxide properties. Its antimicrobial benefits come from an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which bees add during the honey-making process. As Jarrah naturally contains glucose and water, the glucose oxidase reacts with these components to produce hydrogen peroxide, giving Jarrah Honey its active healing and antimicrobial properties.
Jarrah Honey is known to have three times more antioxidants than Manuka Honey, providing extra support for a healthy immune system.
When we compare Jarrah honey vs Manuka honey, it’s clear when we consider microbial activity, both from a bacterial and fungal perspective, that Jarrah honey is by far the superior choice.
Health Benefits – Manuka Vs Jarrah Honey
Manuka Honey
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 Honey
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 the preferred choice for diabetics than other honeys and has an ability to natural and effectively heal wounds, skin infections and minor burns.
Is Jarrah Honey Anti Inflammatory?
Studies completed by the ChemCentre in 2018 have proven the medical benefits of Western Australian honey. In their studies, they found honey sourced from WA forests are anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants and are an exceptional choice for human gut health. As part of the study, the ChemCentre’s principal food scientist Ken Dods, said that some of the WA honey samples had 30 per cent higher activity than manuka honey.
“Jarrah honey and Marri honey, because of the nature of the activity that we have — which is a peroxide based activity — actually has quite a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity,” he said.
Final verdict? Well that’s up to you..
Ultimately, the decision between Jarrah Honey and Manuka Honey comes down to personal preference. Both honeys are renowned for their strong medicinal properties and unique flavors, making them valuable additions to any pantry.
Given that we reside in Western Australia, we wholeheartedly support our local Jarrah Honey. We’re incredibly fortunate to have access to such a potent and delicious honey, derived from a tree that thrives in our native soils.
Jarrah Honey not only offers remarkable health benefits, but it also embodies the essence of our local landscape, providing a taste of Western Australia in every jar.
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!
