Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question we haven't answered here feel free to contact us
Manuka Honey FAQ
Is your honey RAW?
All our honey is raw or unpasteurized. What this means is we don't add anything to our honey and we don't use high heat on our honey during processing.
We take great pride in bringing honey from our hives to you with the utmost care to ensure you're getting it like it is in the hive, RAW!
What is the MGO rating on Mānuka Honey? Manuka grades?
We use MGO as our rating system. An MGO grade is based on the methylglyoxal level in the honey.
This is the unique manuka compound that regular honey doesn't contain. Its what gives Manuka honey its unique benefits.
The higher the number the more concentrated this compound is and therefore the more effective it's going to be.
We also measure other compounds to ensure shelf life and verify the authenticity of our Manuka but these aren't relevant to the actual activity rating.
What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is produced by bees when they collect nectar from the Manuka bush. It flowers for 2-6 weeks most summers and is very reliant on getting the right weather conditions to secrete nectar. Bees cant fly if the weather isn't good either!
Extensive research has gone into this honey when t was discovered by Dr Peter Molan to have antibacterial properties much greater than regular honey.
Why is Mānuka Honey so expensive?
The MGO grades vary between seasons and locations but generally the lower MGO levels are far more common. Anything higher than MGO 800 is very rare honey. Total yearly Manuka honey produced is approximately 27000 tons compared to global honey production of 1.9 million tons!
The Manuka bush only flowers for a short period of time and some years due to weather doesn't flower at all or flowers during a storm, the bees cant fly and the flowers get damaged.
Manuka also grows in remote areas which is good for bees but hard to access. Some sites require helicopter access only to avoid damaging the surrounding ecosystems with vehicles.
Some years however nature provides a bountiful harvest and we work with what we get to provide people around the world with premium natural health products.
Does Mānuka Honey expire?
To guarantee the MGO content of our honey we apply a 4 year from packing best before date to every batch. While the MGO content fluctuates the honey is still safe to consume after this date if stored correctly. Edible honey was reportedly found in the pyramids!
How should I store my Mānuka Honey?
In a cool dark place.
Like the pyramids!
Manuka honey vs regular honey
Manuka honey has been the focus of extensive scientific research evidencing remarkable natural properties not common in regular honey.
Honey has long been heralded as a wellness food and Manuka honey is a cut above. We think here at Mason Bros there is a time and a place for every honey, many New Zealand honeys are very unique and delicious.
For the family table we offer a range of classic NZ honey as well as a range of Manuka Honey.
When you need that extra bit of nourishment reach for Mānuka honey
Monofloral vs Multifloral
Monofloral means the honey is practically from one flower source. Multifloral means it is a mixture of different floral sources making up the honey.
In the manuka honey we determine this by using the NZ government's manuka honey standard.
General FAQ
Is your honey RAW?
All our honey is raw or unpasteurized. What this means is we don't add anything to our honey and we don't use high heat on our honey during processing.
We take great pride in bringing honey from our hives to you with the utmost care to ensure you're getting it like it is in the hive, RAW!
Can children eat honey?
Yes children can eat honey and its an incredibly good, sustained energy for them, similar to fruit in its sugar content.
Infants under 12 months should not be given honey however.
How Long Does An Order Take To Arrive?
International orders normally arrive within 2-4 weeks of shipping. Please note that these orders need to pass through the customs office in your country before it will be released for final delivery, which can occasionally cause additional delays.
New Zealand orders are processed within 1-2 business days and should arrive within 2-4 business days.
You should also receive by email a tracking number once your order is shipped.
Do you get stung much?
We do! however we have become use to or slightly immune to the effects, they still hurt a bit though!
We work gently with our bees however it is in their nature to sting so we do accept that.
We love working with bees and helping them thrive, without bees and beekeepers approximately 70% of our food would disappear. Fruits, nuts and many vegetables rely on bees and their keepers toil.
My jars not full?!
Please rest assured our state of the art volumetric honey packing machine puts slightly over what is on the label into the jar each time. Honey weighs 1.5 times water!
