Comparing Jarrah Honey and Manuka Honey:

Unveiling Their Unique Qualities

MANUKA HONEY

MANUKA HONEY

  • Manuka honey’s primary medicinal attribute stems from its elevated concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO), a phytochemical produced by the Manuka bush, imparting non-peroxide activity (NPA).
  • The potency of Manuka honey is quantified by either its MGO value, ranging from 50 to over 500, or the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), a proprietary measure for NPA, typically ranging from 5 to 15 (occasionally up to 25).
  • The presence of MGO lends Manuka honey a robust, often bitter, and earthy flavour.
  • Since MGO content is derived from the Manuka bush, higher MGO (or UMF) values signify higher honey quality.
JARRAH HONEY

JARRAH HONEY

  • In contrast, Jarrah honey boasts a broader spectrum of beneficial properties, accompanied by a notably higher Activity.
  • The honey’s remarkable attributes, beyond its Activity, arise from its unique composition, including a very low Glycaemic Index (GI), robust prebiotic properties, resistance to crystallization, and an array of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.
  • The potent antimicrobial potency in Jarrah honey primarily arises from Peroxide Activity (PA), a preservation process developed by bees over millions of years of evolution. PA results from residual glucose oxidase, an enzyme introduced into the nectar by bees to preserve it during the conversion to honey through chemical reactions and dehydration.
  • While most honeys exhibit minimal residual PA, it is notably high in many Western Australian honeys, including Jarrah.
RELATIVE STRENGTH

RELATIVE STRENGTH

  • The antimicrobial efficacy of Jarrah honey is rated using the Total Activity (TA) value, which combines NPA and PA.
  • Therefore, Jarrah honey’s TA value is equivalent to Manuka honey’s UMF value.
  • By way of example, Manuka UMF 25 is equivalent to Jarrah TA 25.
  • However, it’s important to note that the conversion of TA to MGO is not linear.
  • For instance:
    • Jarah TA15 is approximately equivalent to MGO500 (higher than most Manuka honeys),
    • Jarah TA25 corresponds to about MGO1200 (outperforming over 99% of available Manuka honey),
    • Jarrah TA35 equals MGO2100
    • Jarrah TA50 equals MGO4000.
  • Our Jarrah TA 40+ and Jarrah TA 50+ honeys have one of the strongest antimicrobial properties in the world, if not the strongest.

SUMMARY

  • In conclusion, both Jarrah honey and Manuka honey possess remarkable properties.
  • Jarrah honey offers a wider array of benefits, much stronger antimicrobial properties and often at a more accessible price point.