If you try out Steens Manuka Honey, you’ll notice that it has a grainy texture. This is because it is raw honey made without the use of fine filters. The honey is not heated beyond the natural temperature of the hive. This is done to preserve the natural qualities of the honey. The graininess is the result of naturally occurring honey crystals.
The Benefits of Raw Manuka Honey
The unique harvesting methods used by Steens keeps the honey raw when being extracted from the comb. This is in contrast to the methods of harvesting that make use of heat to ensure that the honey is fluid enough to be extracted. Honey crystals are naturally created in the hive and are not filtered out or melted during extraction which results in a grainy texture. Honeys that are very liquid or smooth are likely to have been heated and filtered. This destroys beneficial properties in the honey and removes bio-available pollen and wax particles.
The minimal processing and low temperatures used in the production of this honey does not denature its natural amino acids and enzymes. This means Steens honey has a high amino acid profile, a higher nutrient content, natural enzymes that aid digestion and a thicker, slightly grainy texture just as nature intended!
Raw Honey Properties
Food enzymes are sensitive to temperatures above 47.7°C. This means that foods that have been heated above this temperature cannot be classified as raw. However, this is a little more complex when talking about honey. Raw honey is honey that is kept the same way it was in the beehive. This means that fine filters cannot be used. This is because these filters remove nutritious bee bread, pollen, enzymes and minerals from the honey.
Traditional beekeepers would scrape honey from a hive and into a container. The honey would then be stored and used with everything from the hive. You can enjoy the delicious experience of honey with its natural taste, texture and aroma every time you use Manuka Honey. Steens Manuka Honey is tested for purity and certified by the UMF Association Of New Zealand before being labelled and shipped all over the world.
You can trace your jar of Steens Manuka Honey back to the region of New Zealand it originates from using the tracking code on the back of your jar.
Which Type of Manuka Honey Should I go For?
Locally you can find honey from three different Steens ranges.
The Anytime Range:
Steens Anytime Range Multifloral Honey is great for everyday uses and ideal for keeping in your cupboard. You can use it as a natural sweetener which helps contribute to your daily wellness routine.
The Daily Range:
Steens Daily Range has a high UMF rating. UMF ratings are an indication of the concentration of the antibacterial compound in Manuka Honey. It is perfect as a daily nutritional supplement to support your immune system. This honey is great by the spoonful or with your usual breakfast. Try not to heat your honey above 40ºC in order to retain its natural properties.
The Targeted Range:
Steens Targeted Range has an even higher UMF rating. This range is ideal for those with specific health goals.
You can try out one of these wonderful honeys in a homemade jam or in these honey and cinnamon pancakes.
