Manuka Honey UMF Ratings Explained

What Exactly is UMF?

1. UMF is the short form for 'Unique Manuka Factor'
2. UMF is a quality trademark.
3. UMF is a global grading system that identifies the strength of the antibacterial properties found in certain strains of Manuka honey.
4. UMF is a guarantee that the honey is of medicinal quality.

Manuka Honey vs Regular Honey
Manuka honey differentiates itself from the regular type of honey by having a considerably higher level of enzymes and these enzymes create a natural hydrogen peroxide that functions as an antibacterial. The honey that has the UMF mark contains an abundance of three components:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Methylglyoxal
- Dihydroxyacetone

Manuka Honey (UMF) vs Manuka Honey
Both types of Manuka honey contain natural hydrogen peroxide. However, the UMF type contains its own natural UMF antibacterial property. Hydrogen peroxide tends to be destroyed by heat, light and enzymes but the UMF property tends to be a more effective antibacteria as it is not so easily destroyed.

UMF Ratings
Generally, effectiveness of UMF Manuka honey starts from 10+
0 - 4 : Not detectable
5 - 9 : Low levels
10 - 15 : Of effective usable grade
16+ : High grade levels