Our honey is raw as it has not been heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit/47.7 degrees Celsius and has not been fully pasteurized.

Our Manuka Honey is heated only enough to be able to pour the honey into jars, but not past 118 degrees Fahrenheit, as naturally Manuka honey is very thick in consistency. However, this does not affect its properties in anyway.

While our honey naturally contains no gluten, as we do not test for the gluten content, we cannot say that it is 100% gluten free as traces of gluten may be present at any given time in our products.

The simple answer is no – organic products must meet very specific criteria in New Zealand and because we sell our products both in New Zealand and overseas, we currently do not meet the criteria to label our products as organic.

Manuka flowers only produce nectar for 3-4 weeks each year and the success of the harvest is largely weather dependent. This means that higher grades of Manuka honey are scarce but high prized and in demand. Additionally, Manuka trees mostly grow in New Zealand’s most remote locations which makes it a challenging environment for us to access our hives.

Naturally our honey contains no dairy or soy. However, because we don’t test for these specific things in our product there is always the possibility that our products may contain traces of either at any given time.

Scientists found honey in the Egyptian pyramids that was over 3000 years old and still perfectly edible, so honey does not spoil. All honey will crystallize as it ages but this does not affect its properties in any way. The shelf life for Manuka honey is based on the UMF+/MGO+ grading claim on the label. A best before date is set to ensure that the honey complies with the label claim during its advisable shelf life duration.

Honey can be used in many ways; as an antibacterial product, on toast, in cooking as a sugar substitute or drizzled over porridge. It is often used in hot drinks such as tea and is great for a natural boost or to sooth a sore throat. Discover more about the power of manuka here.

Watson & Son respects the New Zealand advertising rules about overstating the health benefits of Manuka Honey.

Watson & Son Manuka Honey is certified, New Zealand UMF+ Manuka Honey. The UMF+ quality mark and rating is the leading quality system for Manuka honey in the world. The UMF+ rating is the only option for anyone seeking independent assurance that their purchase will support health and wellness. The UMF+ rating system independently certifies natural components found in Manuka Honey to assure potency, purity, authenticity and freshness.

Everyday Vitality – UMF 5+ & UMF8+

Boost your Vitality – UMF 10+ and UMF 15+

Supercharged Vitality – UMF 10+ & UMF 25+

Go more in depth here.

Due to quarantine restrictions, we are unable to ship any Manuka Honey products to Western Australia.