Does My Business Need To Worry About Manuka Honey Expiring?

Concerned about the longevity of wholesale Mānuka honey? As a growing business, it’s fair to have questions about how long your products last - in fact, it’s expected. Using Mānuka honey as an ingredient or item within your catalogue is sure to gain the attention of your existing and prospective customers. 

Have a read of this article to understand the freshness of pure Mānuka honey and how you can maximise the usability of your pure Mānuka honey when purchasing wholesale from Midlands Apiaries. Although there are several factors that contribute to the purity and freshness of Mānuka honey, this article will give you a thorough understanding of maximising your Mānuka honey product’s quality.

How Can I Be Sure That Pure Mānuka Honey Is Fresh?

Mānuka honey freshness is typically measured by a unique bioactive ingredient found within. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a biochemical compound present in monofloral Mānuka honey that indicates heating and storage changes. Ideally, a low HMF will indicate higher freshness and proper storage.

HMF is produced because of the breakdown of sugars in the presence of a specific acid. Heat has been measured to increase the speed of this reaction. Subsequently, you will see an increase in concentrations of HMF which will be a solid indicator of how long the honey has been sitting around.

According to the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMF™HA), HMF acts as one of the key “four-factor” requirements. For a Mānuka honey product to receive a coveted UMF™ grade, the sample of the product must show a concentration of HMF lower than 40mg/kg. Anything higher is considered to have undergone too much heat or excessive storage.

Along with HMF, there are three other indicators for UMF verification:

1. Leptosperin

Leptosperin is a marker to determine the authenticity of pure monofloral Mānuka honey. Commonly referred to as the “DNA Marker”, the presence of leptosperin at concentrations higher than 100mg/kg is considered genuine Mānuka honey.

2. Methylglyoxal (MGO)

Widely considered as the potency factor, MGO is loved across the world, with many customers searching for Mānuka honey based on the MGO concentration alone. Concentrations of MGO in monofloral Mānuka honey can range anywhere between 80mg/kg to 1800+mg/kg.

3. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

DHA is the precursor and will over-time transition into MGO, this factor is a notable method of understanding how long this pure Mānuka honey will remain potent.

Please read, ‘UMF™ Mānuka Honey Grading Explained’ to get a more thorough understanding of this gold standard of Mānuka honey certification.

Can Monofloral Mānuka Honey Expire?

Surprisingly, monofloral Mānuka honey is one of the few substances on Earth that won’t expire if stored properly. The only factors that will cause Mānuka honey to go bad are poor storage and contamination. Contamination will be clear if there is physical mould found within the sample or if there is a fermented or “off” smell.

While honey does not technically expire, there are several stages Mānuka honey will go through over time. There will be physical changes such as getting dark or more opaque. Commonly, honey is first harvested as quite clear and then begins its course of naturally crystallising.

Mānuka honey, which has undergone little to no processing, is more likely to see darkening and crystallising - a completely natural process. Pasteurisation is common within the honey industry, which is the process of heating.

As mentioned above, this will increase the concentration of HMF - in turn, making the honey less fresh and of lower quality. Midlands Apiaries is proud to supply our clients with unpasteurised premium Mānuka honey that is fresh from the hive and maintains its 100% New Zealand purity.

How Should My Business Store Bulk Mānuka Honey?

Whether you’re a business seeking wholesale Mānuka honey or a customer who’s just buying a jar, your storage method is key to ensuring Mānuka honey freshness. Keeping Mānuka from Midlands Apiaries in a well-ventilated and cool location will ensure your honey retains its fresh quality.

We strongly advise that our clients prioritise effective storage of monofloral Mānuka honey as there has been speculation that overheating may impact the flavour.

Honey is known as a hygroscopic substance; which means it absorbs moisture at a higher rate than most others. A warmer environment will see honey absorb more water which will result in a runnier consistency.

For more information on buying bulk Mānuka honey, please read - ‘A Brief Guide To Buying Bulk Manuka Honey’.

Midlands Apiaries Can Provide You With 100% Pure New Zealand Mānuka Honey

Midlands Apiaries is the perfect partner for your brand. Wherever your business sits in a specific industry, i.e. skincare, natural foods, or genuine Mānuka honey provider - we have all the latest technology and expertise to deliver what you want and when you need it. In addition, our widespread Mānuka honey supply and production operations can work with you to achieve your goals.

We also offer the services of a highly knowledgeable sales & marketing team. So, if you’re looking to bring a fantastic brand to market, our team of professionals can plan a pathway to your launch. With an extensive network of honey supplies and laboratories - Midlands Apiaries can provide your business with everything it needs.

Additionally, as the largest New Zealand supplier of wholesale Mānuka honey globally, Midlands Apiaries knows a thing or two about quality. An accredited, independent laboratory tests each batch of Mānuka honey from Midlands Apiaries for certification. We are very aware of the stringent requirements set forth by UMF™HA. Our undeniable expertise in crafting Mānuka honey will give your business the necessary confidence to consistently deliver quality products.

Get in touch with us today for more information about how Midlands Apiaries can make for a beneficial partner in your budding business.