How do you like your honey? Yummy Recipes and Ideas

Lemon, Ginger and Mānuka Honey Tonic

Great for: Immunity, sore throats, and daily wellness.

This classic Kiwi remedy is your go-to winter warmer or year-round health boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot water
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 tbsp Mānuka honey (UMF 10+ or higher)

Method:

Steep the ginger in hot water for 5 minutes. Add lemon juice and Mānuka honey. Sip slowly. You can also refrigerate it for a refreshing iced version.

Mānuka Honey Matcha Smoothie

Great for: Natural energy, focus, antioxidants.

A vibrant green superfood smoothie packed with polyphenols and a Mānuka honey kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tsp matcha powder
• 1 tbsp Mānuka honey
• 1 cup almond milk
• A handful of baby spinach leaves
• Add your favourite seeds
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Throw in a Kiwifruit (optional)

Method:

Blend until smooth. Enjoy as a breakfast supplement or replacement, a pre-workout drink, or just a yummy liquid snack.

What Makes Matcha (Japanese Tea Powder) Special?

This green tea is high in antioxidants, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which supports metabolism and may reduce inflammation.

It also contains many detoxifying properties, since the leaves are shade-grown, which boosts chlorophyll levels.

Why Use Mānuka Honey?

Unlike regular honey, Mānuka honey contains methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a natural remedy used for sore throats, gut health, wound healing, and even skincare.

Look for a UMF rating (Unique Mānuka Factor) to ensure you’re getting genuine, high-quality Mānuka from New Zealand.

Final Tip

For best results, don’t heat Mānuka honey at high temperatures; its active enzymes are most effective when consumed raw or lightly warmed.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 tbsp oat bran
• 1 cup Greek yoghurt (or coconut yoghurt for dairy-free)
• 1 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
• 1 tbsp Mānuka honey (UMF 5+ or higher)
• 1 tsp bee pollen (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Blend: Add blueberries, oat bran, Greek yoghurt, milk, and Mānuka honey to a high-speed blender.
2. Adjust: Blend until smooth; add more milk if you prefer a thinner texture.
3. Serve: Pour into glasses, drizzle a little extra Mānuka honey on top if desired.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle with bee pollen for a nutrient boost.

Wellness Spotlight:

• Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants to help fight oxidative stress.
• Oat Bran: Supports gut health and provides slow-release energy.
• Mānuka Honey: Unique MGO compounds support immune health and soothe digestion.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Lentils, Radicchio and Mānuka Honey Candied Walnuts

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the candied walnuts:

• 1 cup walnut halves
• 1 tbsp Mānuka honey (UMF 5+ or higher)
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• Pinch of sea salt

For the salad:

• 1 cup cooked Puy lentils (or green lentils)
• 1 small head radicchio, quartered
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup fresh parsley leaves
• ½ cup fresh dill sprigs
• 50g shaved pecorino or parmesan
• Sea salt & cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Candy the walnuts: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss walnuts with Mānuka honey, chilli flakes, turmeric, and salt. Spread on a lined tray; roast for 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until golden. Cool.
2. Prepare the radicchio: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear radicchio wedges for 1–2 minutes on each side until slightly charred but still crisp.
3. Assemble the salad: In a serving bowl, combine lentils, parsley, dill, and radicchio. Season to taste.
4. Finish: Scatter over candied walnuts and pecorino shavings. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Chef’s Note:

The bitter radicchio balances the sweetness of the honey-coated walnuts, while the lentils give a hearty, satisfying bite.

• Shop Online for Certified New Zealand Mānuka Honey.
• Read the Mānuka Hunters blog and learn more about New Zealand mānuka honey.