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Why Mānuka Honey Is So Expensive | So Expensive
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Why Mānuka Honey Is So Expensive | So Expensive

What Makes Manuka Honey So Expensive?

Unique Characteristics of Manuka Honey

  • Manuka honey is distinct from regular honey, known for its earthier, richer flavor and thicker viscosity. It originates from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium flower, native to New Zealand.
  • The exclusivity of Manuka honey stems from its geographical origin in New Zealand, where bees travel up to six kilometers to collect nectar, making it representative of the local environment.

Harvesting Challenges

  • The harvesting period for Manuka honey is limited to two to six weeks when flowers bloom for only 12 days. Weather conditions like wind and rain complicate collection efforts.
  • New Zealand produces nearly all of the world's Manuka honey, with exports valued at $204 million and projected to reach $800 million by 2028.

Quality Standards and Fraud Prevention

  • Due to high demand and potential fraud, a quality standard has been established by the New Zealand government to protect the unique properties of Manuka honey.
  • Dr. Adrian Charlton explains that testing involves identifying three key compounds: dihydroxyacetone (DHA), methylglyoxal (MGO), and hydroxy methylferol (HMF), which are essential for confirming antimicrobial characteristics.

Testing Methods

  • UV light is used in laboratories to measure concentrations of these compounds; each compound has different properties relevant for authenticity checks.
  • Additional tests include checking for leptosperin, a marker specific to Leptospermum scoparium nectar, allowing traceability back to its botanical source.

Market Demand and Health Benefits

  • The rising popularity of Manuka honey extends beyond culinary uses; it's increasingly incorporated into health and beauty products due to its antibacterial properties.
  • While laboratory studies confirm antimicrobial activity in Manuka honey, long-term clinical trials on health benefits remain unproven. Despite this uncertainty, consumer demand continues unabated.

Economic Impact and Theft Issues

  • High prices have led to increased theft reports involving beehives or stolen honey in New Zealand. There are even instances of bees being poisoned due to competition over this lucrative product.

Taste Profile Comparison

Video description

Mānuka honey known for being is earthier, richer, and more viscous than many other honeys. It comes from the nectar of the flower of Leptospermum scoparium — also known as Manuka, which is only native to New Zealand. Mānuka, in fact, is a Maori word. "The plant itself is very rare. It's difficult to harvest because the flower is only open for 12 days, and sometimes we have to use helicopters to collect this honey." John Rawcliffe from the Mānuka Factor Honey Association told Business Insider. Although mānuka bushes can also be found in Australia, New Zealand accounts for almost all the world's production, with exports worth 300 million NZ dollars ($204m) and expected to rise to 1.2 billion NZ ($800m) by 2028.  Watch the video to find out what's so special about it and why it costs so much. MORE SO EXPENSIVE CONTENT: Why Pedigree Dogs Are So Expensive | So Expensive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKPHYk4GB4g Why Supreme Is So Expensive | So Expensive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O0yi8YgYbs Why Pearls Are So Expensive | So Expensive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0ihGlsLL1Y ------------------------------------------------------ #ManukaHoney #NewZealand #BusinessInsider Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more. Visit us at: https://www.businessinsider.com Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/businessinsider BI on Facebook: https://read.bi/2xOcEcj BI on Instagram: https://read.bi/2Q2D29T BI on Twitter: https://read.bi/2xCnzGF BI on Amazon Prime: http://read.bi/PrimeVideo -------------------------------------------------- Why Mānuka Honey Is So Expensive | So Expensive