UMF is the only quality trademark & grading system that confirms the presence of the unique compounds found in genuine New Zealand Manuka Honey. These are the compounds responsible for its renowned antibacterial properties.
UMF rated honey contains measurable levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO) and Leptosperin, which are responsible for the honey’s antibacterial qualities.
What is UMF Certification?
If you are looking for genuine New Zealand Manuka honey, the best place to start is with the UMF grading system. This is the most comprehensive quality mark that guarantees a high standard of monofloral Manuka honey.
In order for a honey to receive the UMF trademark, it must pass stringent tests. These tests include measuring MGO (Methylglyoxal), Leptosperin, DHA and HMF. Each of these compounds plays a unique role in the overall health benefits that are associated with Manuka honey.
The grading system also takes into account the Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA). This is another important factor in determining the authenticity and quality of a batch of Manuka honey. Once these tests are complete, a number is assigned to the honey that ranges from 5+ to 32+. The higher the number, the more antibacterial strength the honey has. This grading system helps you to select a Manuka honey that will align with your specific wellness goals.
How is UMF Certification Determined?
When it comes to Manuka honey, the UMF certification is a gold standard that stands for authenticity and quality. To qualify as UMF, the honey must be harvested in New Zealand and undergo a rigorous testing process. This includes measuring the levels of MGO, Leptosperin and DHA in the honey.
These are the unique signature markers that distinguish genuine Manuka honey from other types of honey. MGO is a chemical that has been linked to Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties. Leptosperin is a natural marker found only in the nectar of the Manuka plant and DHA is a precursor that naturally converts to MGO in the honey beehive.
The UMF Four Factor test independently certifies the potency, authenticity, purity and freshness of true New Zealand Manuka honey. It’s a more in-depth test than other rating systems and is the only one that validates all factors that make genuine Manuka honey unique. As a result, UMF certified honey is more trustworthy than any other honey in the market.
Why is UMF Certification Important?
In a world where product labels can be misleading, UMF certification offers honey consumers the assurance that they are purchasing genuine Manuka honey. When a label displays the UMF trademark, it means that the honey has been independently tested and certified by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association in New Zealand. UMF is the only grading system that guarantees specific levels of Leptosperin, Methylglyoxal and DHA. It also requires that the honey is produced, packed and labelled in New Zealand.
Steens tests all of its Manuka honey for the four natural markers required for UMF grading. These include the newly discovered marker Leptosperin and others like Methylglyoxal, ensuring that our customers are receiving the full spectrum of the benefits associated with authentic New Zealand Manuka honey. Other competing grading systems may only test for methylglyoxal and not consider the other essential markers that are unique to Manuka honey. The UMF rating provides a holistic and complete picture of the quality of Manuka honey.
What is the UMF Certification Process?
The UMF certification process is the most comprehensive and transparent test currently available for Manuka honey. It appraises a wide range of natural markers including the recently discovered Leptosperin marker which is unique to Manuka. It also tests for other important characteristics such as the non-peroxide activity (NPA) and DHA.
To be certified UMF, a jar of honey must be sourced, packaged and labelled in New Zealand. It must then undergo a series of stringent tests in accredited laboratories to determine its level of MGO and other unique compounds.
The resulting grade is then displayed on the product packaging. While many people are happy with just knowing the MGO levels, the UMF certification goes far further and ensures that the honey you are buying contains all the key factors that make New Zealand Manuka Honey unique. This includes Leptosperin and other phytochemicals as well as NPA, DHA and MGO. UMF certified honey is also guaranteed to retain its quality levels once it reaches consumer stores and online retailers worldwide.