The Science

  • The Magic of Manuka Honey

    Have you ever wondered what makes our Manuka honey so unique? The fantastic combination of the hardworking honeybee and the unique Manuka bush creates this liquid gold. When our busy bees gather nectar from the Manuka flower, something remarkable happens – a transformation that yields honey like no other.

  • Secrets of Manuka Gold

    Manuka honey is renowned for its exceptional properties, thanks to the incredible synergy between these natural wonders. As you explore the science behind our Manuka honey, you'll discover the secrets that make it a true treasure, coveted for its distinctive taste and remarkable benefits.

  • Propolis: Nature's Protective Elixir

    Propolis is a remarkable substance that honeybees create from the resinous sap of tree buds. Often called "bee glue," this powerful natural compound protects the hive from harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Propolis has been revered for its antimicrobial properties for centuries, and modern scientific research continues to uncover its incredible potential for supporting human health. As you delve into the science behind our propolis offerings, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Nature's remarkable protective qualities bestowed upon this extraordinary substance.

  • Royal Jelly: Fit for a Queen

    Imagine a superfood so potent and nourishing that it's exclusively reserved for the queen bee. That's the essence of royal jelly – a rich, nutrient-dense substance treasured for its health-promoting properties throughout history.
    Packed with proteins, vitamins, fats, and amino acids, royal jelly is a true powerhouse of Nature's goodness. As you explore the science behind this remarkable substance, you'll uncover the secrets that make it a revered superfood, celebrated for its potential to support overall well-being and vitality.

Manuka Honey Alchemy

The Science Behind Manuka Hunters Manuka Honey

Deep in the heart of New Zealand's pristine landscapes, a remarkable partnership unfolds between the humble honeybee and the Manuka bush, a hardy, scrub-like tree native to this breathtaking country. From this harmonious union, we at Manuka Hunters derive our precious liquid gold – Manuka honey, a natural wonder that has captivated the world with its exceptional properties.

Resilient Manuka Wonder

The Manuka Bush: Nature's Resilient Gift

The Manuka bush, known scientifically as Leptospermum scoparium, is a true testament to the resilience of Nature. This hardy plant can thrive in virtually any of New Zealand's diverse microclimates, often among the first species to reclaim the land after fires or clearing. Its ability to adapt and flourish in even the harshest conditions is a testament to the incredible tenacity of the natural world.

Manuka Blossom Bounty

The Fleeting Flowering Season

For a brief window of four to six weeks each year, the Manuka bush bursts into bloom, adorning the landscape with its delicate flowers. During this fleeting season, our team works tirelessly to ensure we can harvest the premium Manuka honey that has made Manuka Hunters renowned across the globe.
Mother Nature, however, can be as unpredictable as she is generous. Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or cold temperatures, can profoundly impact our harvest. Suppose the conditions are unfavorable during the flowering period. In that case, our industrious honeybees may be unable to gather the precious nectar from the Manuka blossoms, instead consuming the honey stored within their hives to survive.

The Honeybee's Remarkable Journey

At Manuka Hunters ethical beekeeping is our values' core. We are committed to ensuring that our beloved bees have access to sufficient honey reserves, prioritizing the health and well-being of these amazing creatures that make our products possible.

While New Zealand is home to 28 species of native bees and 13 introduced species that play vital roles in pollinating flowers, the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) is responsible for producing the liquid gold we know as honey. These incredible insects can be found on every continent except Antarctica, a testament to their adaptability and importance in ecosystems worldwide.

Within each beehive, a remarkable social structure exists, with three distinct types of honeybees working in harmony: the queen bee, the worker bees, and the drones. The sole egg-layer queen is attended to by her dedicated workers, who tirelessly collect nectar, pollen, and water, construct the honeycomb, and care for the larvae. The worker bees' remarkable journey transforms the nectar gathered from the Manuka blossoms into the exceptional honey we cherish.

A remarkable transformation begins as they collect the nectar and store it in their honey sacs. The nectar mixes with enzymes and proteins, kickstarting its metamorphosis into honey. Upon returning to the hive, the worker bees deposit the honey into the honeycomb, which is further thickened and cured by the steady fanning of their wings, evaporating excess moisture and creating the rich, velvety texture we've come to love.

Dr. Peter Molan's Discovery

In 1981, a talented New Zealand biochemist named Dr. Peter Molan embarked on a journey that would forever change our understanding of Manuka honey. Through his pioneering research, Dr. Molan began investigating the antiseptic properties of this remarkable substance and its potential use as a wound dressing to aid in healing.
His groundbreaking work identified Manuka honey's significant non-peroxide antimicrobial activity, which numerous subsequent studies have since confirmed.

Remarkably, harmful bacteria appear unable to develop resistance against the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey, making it a potential game-changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections, which have become a primary global health concern.

According to Dr. Molan's research, Manuka honey with high non-peroxide activity has proven to be an incredibly versatile natural antibiotic, demonstrating potent efficacy against harmful bacteria while surprisingly assisting in restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria within our bodies. This remarkable substance has shown promising results in combating subcutaneous infections such as acne and sinusitis, and ongoing studies continue to explore its potential role in promoting digestive health and harnessing its anti-inflammatory properties.

Manuka Hunters Commitment

At Manuka Hunters we understand the importance of ensuring the authenticity and purity of our Manuka honey products. Our technical team employs a rigorous multi-lab testing process, collecting reliable data from independent, internationally accredited laboratories to guarantee that every jar meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

To be classified as genuine Manuka honey, the product must meet a stringent set of criteria, including the presence of specific chemical markers such as 3-phenylacetic acid, 2'-methoxy acetophenone, 2-methoxy benzoic acid, and 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, all within defined concentration ranges. Additionally, a DNA test is conducted to verify the presence of Manuka pollen at a specific level, ensuring the honey's authenticity and traceability.

With over three decades of experience crafting and exporting natural dietary supplements and honey, our team at Manuka Hunters possesses the expertise to meticulously manage product quality at every stage, from the hive to the jar. We employ the best available manufacturing technologies and the most stringent testing methods, ensuring that every jar of our premium Manuka honey embodies the exceptional qualities that have made it a global phenomenon.

Join us on this extraordinary journey as we celebrate the remarkable partnership between the industrious honeybee and the resilient Manuka bush. This union has yielded one of Nature's most extraordinary gifts. Discover the science, the passion, and the unwavering commitment to quality that sets Manuka Hunters Manuka honey apart, and experience the true essence of Nature's marvels, bottled just for you.