New Zealand Honey Varieties - Top 5 Honey types
Honey Varieties in New Zealand
Honey has a lot of properties such as healing coughs and cold and antibacterial activity. The varieties of honey available is dependent on the types of flowers.
In NZ there is a large variety of honey because of the variety of flowers in nature and pollination. Each honey has distinctive properties which creates unique tastes and benefits.
Kamahi Honey, Manuka Honey, Beechwood Honeydew, Clover Honey and Acacia Honey are different honey varieties provided in NZ.
Kamahi Honey
Kamahi is an evergreen small shrub to medium-sized tree of the Cunoniaceae family. It is the most abundant forest tree in the North Island. Maori used the bark from this tree to cure coughs and colds.
Kamahi Honey contains high amounts of minerals and trace elements for maximum health benefits. Kamahi Honey is also an ideal sweetener for spicy dishes, such as Thai food. Kamahi's floral and slightly nutty flavour is delicious paired with fresh fruit and creamy cheeses such as Brie and Camembert.
Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey is made in Australia and New Zealand by European bees foraging on the mānuka bush. Mānuka Honey exported from New Zealand must be independently tested and pass the Mānuka Honey Science Definition test as specified by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Hydrogen peroxide gives most honey its antibiotic quality. But some types, including Manuka Honey, also have other ingredients with antibacterial qualities. It has superior healing properties. Manuka Honey is sweet. This type of honey is one of the most expensive honeys around the world because of its unique properties and benefits.
Beechwood Honeydew
Beechwood Honeydew is a dark amber naturally liquid honey. With one of the highest levels of antioxidants of all New Zealand honeys, it is helpful in maintaining and promoting beneficial probiotic bacteria. High in oligosaccharides, (a pre-biotic which helps maintain gut health), essential enzymes, vitamins and minerals, this honey will help maintain good health.
Clover Honey
Clover Honey is a popular, light-coloured, mild-tasting honey variety. It provides various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It may offer powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Clover Honey has a more complex flavour than table sugar, and many people use it to sweeten tea, coffee, and desserts.
Acacia Honey
It has a light, almost transparent colour and stays liquid. If it hasn’t been mixed with other floral sources, it will look like liquid glass - very exquisite indeed. Acacia Honey may aid wound healing, improve acne, and offer additional benefits due to its powerful antioxidants. Acacia Honey has very low sucrose content and a high fructose level, so it is the best choice for diabetics.
Eurofins provides a range of honey tests. Contact us for more information.
References:
https://www.manukahealth.co.nz