{"id":28757,"date":"2024-04-14T15:33:53","date_gmt":"2024-04-14T15:33:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/manukahoneyorganic.com\/?page_id=28757"},"modified":"2024-04-14T15:33:53","modified_gmt":"2024-04-14T15:33:53","slug":"what-is-umf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/manukahoneyorganic.com\/blog\/what-is-umf\/","title":{"rendered":"What is UMF – Unique Manuka Factor"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”]\n\t\t\t[et_pb_row admin_label=”row”]\n\t\t\t\t[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]\n

What is UMF \u2013 Unique Manuka Factor Grading System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

UMF stands for \u201cUnique Manuka Factor<\/strong>\u201d and is a grading system developed by the UMF Honey Association<\/a> in New Zealand. Manuka honey produced in New Zealand can be eligible to receive a UMF certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have ever wondered \u201cwhat is UMF\u201d, we answer all your questions related to UMF in this article. Now, let\u2019s talk about real Manuka honey from a real Manuka honey bush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"UMF<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is UMF in Genuine Manuka Honey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike most honey that grows worldwide, Manuka honey comes from the Manuka tree<\/a> which grows only in New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is also where Manuka honey is produced. Manuka flowers bloom mid-year with intense fragrance and flavor. Once they are ready, bees pollinate the flowers and do their magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UMF Honey Association grants UMF licenses to Manuka honey manufacturers who meet their rigorous standards. The UMF license is what makes genuine Manuka honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UMF Honey Association tests every batch of honey to identify authentic Manuka honey produced in New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"manuka<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The New Zealand Honey Discovery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A 1981 study by researchers from the Honey Research Unit at University of Waikato discovered that a few strains of Manuka honey are very stable and possess exceptional natural properties, unlike other honey varieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This unique attribute is beyond all normal honey characteristic properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is produced by the nectar from the manuka flowers and differs from enzymes that are commonly found in honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This unique attribute separates manuka honey from other natural wonders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To better understand what UMF is, it is worth learning more about the key UMF signature markers. UMF tracks key signature markers: Leptosperin<\/strong>, Methyglyoxal<\/strong>, and DHA<\/strong> as well as HMF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leptosperin is a chemical compound found in Manuka honey nectar from the Manuka tree<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The higher the content, the more powerful the anti-inflammatory effects it has. The most powerful Manuka honey exceed 200mg\/kg of leptosperin. They are also the most expensive manuka honeys<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A randomized controlled trial (leptospermum scoparium species) demonstrated the antimicrobial effects of different types of honey on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honey is potentially effective in treating atopic dermatitis: clinical and mechanistic studies. You can read more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Methyglyoxal, also known as MGO is responsible for antibacterial effects. High levels of MGO are possible due to its low pH, which determines the UMF grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honey Research<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research is clear on this chemical\u2019s effectiveness in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria as well as in wound healing. It is considered potent and its biological activity has a significant antibacterial effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only does it promote wound healing, it also prevents wound infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these chemicals must be present in Manuka honey for it to be authentic and receive the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final number is based on all of the chemicals combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UMF Levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Level<\/strong><\/td>UMF<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Superior Rare High Grade<\/td>UMF 24+<\/td><\/tr>
Ultra Premium Grade<\/td>UMF 15+ to UMF 20+<\/td><\/tr>
Premium Grade<\/td>UMF 10+ to UMF 15+<\/td><\/tr>
Certified Authentic<\/td>UMF 5+ to UMF 9+<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Every manufacturer is required to hold a valid UMF license to obtain a UMF trademark on the label. Look for \u201cUMF Certified\u201d or \u201cUMF Certificate\u201d on the jar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honeys with UMF15+ is antibacterial grade and useful for skin therapy. Anything above 20 is a superior antibacterial grade, which is great for very bad wounds. UMF is a quality mark that identifies authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Comvita<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is MGO?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"methylglyoxal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The MGO grading system<\/a> was developed by Professor Thomas Henle for MGO Manuka honey in 2008. It is quite different from the Unique Manuka Factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is primarily used by the company Manuka Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manuka Health is the most popular honey company using the MGO grading system. In addition, Manuka Health conducts independent research on Manuka honey to bring new standards to the Manuka world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a chemical naturally occurring<\/strong> in Manuka honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Manuka Healthy, the \u201cmagic ingredient\u201d in Manuka honey was discovered by one of their research partners \u2013 Professor Thomas Henle (University of Dresden).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To this day, researchers study this chemical to determine its antibacterial activity so that they can provide medical advice suited to specific health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison of MGO and UMF Levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
MGO<\/strong><\/td>UMF Equivalent<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
83+<\/td>5+<\/td><\/tr>
100+<\/td>6+<\/td><\/tr>
250+<\/td>10+<\/td><\/tr>
400+<\/td>13+<\/td><\/tr>
550+<\/td>16+<\/td><\/tr>
700+<\/td>18+<\/td><\/tr>
850+<\/td>20+<\/td><\/tr>
1000+<\/td>22+<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between UMF and Active Manuka Honey is how they are measured. The rating system for Active Manuka Honey is called the MGO rating system, while the rating system for UMF Manuka Honey is called the UMF rating system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound in honey. The higher the MGO rating, the higher the level of methylglyoxal in the honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UMF rating measures the concentration of leptosperin, HMF, DHA, and methyglyoxal. These compounds are found in all Manuka honey, but they are present in higher concentrations in some types of Manuka honey than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MGO and UMF rating systems are both used to measure different aspects of Manuka honey, so it\u2019s important to know which one you\u2019re looking at when you\u2019re buying Manuka honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Health Benefits of Methylglyoxal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The MGO rating shows the methylglyoxal content. That means an MGO 100+ Manuka honey will have at least 100mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u00a0separates Manuka honey from regular honey<\/a>\u00a0is that the MGO levels can go up to 100 times higher. This is why many call it a superfood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that the most potent variety of Manuka honey can have antibiotic properties. Talk about super bees!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently, there have been successful studies on the efficacy of Manuka honey against skin bacteria and viruses. This can greatly help with acne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also a natural antioxidant with a very powerful effect on wrinkles, which makes it an anti-aging solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural honey is known to be highly nourishing and a great moisturizer. Hence, many like to use this golden nectar as a face mask or face cream. This is precisely why we love Manuka honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The higher the MGO content, the higher the antibacterial activity. This makes Manuka honey perfect for soothing conditions such eczema<\/a> or psoriasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wedderspoon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is KFactor?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

KFactor is a grading system created by the New Zealand company Wedderspoon. KFactor is used by the Wedderspoon company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is another Manuka honey grading system that is different from the Unique Manuka Factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The label follows New Zealand\u2019s Ministry for Primary Industries guidelines. MPI develops standards for Manuka honey in New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The KFactor standard ensures you are getting the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 raw and unpausterized honey<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 free of antibiotics, glyphosate and pesticides<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 NON-GMO<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 traceability from hive to home<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 comes from New Zealand<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of that, there are two main varieties of Wedderspoon\u2019s Manuka honey: KFactor 16 and KFactor 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KFactor 16 is a monofloral Manuka honey that is \u201cwholly or mostly\u201d made from the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means this honey is more of a single-plant extract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KFactor 12 is a multifloral Manuka honey, that is more of a \u201cblend\u201d of nectars and other floral types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manuka Markers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most common marker for Manuka honey is MGO<\/strong> (methylglyoxal<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a natural compound with antibacterial<\/a><\/strong> properties and is measured in the UMF and MGO grading systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the UMF grading system also measures NPA<\/strong> (non-peroxide activity<\/strong>) which represents the industry\u2019s standard phenol disinfectant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NPA marker relates directly to the overall UMF rating. If a Manuka honey has an NPA of 18 then it will be UMF 18+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n