Understanding manuka honey and MGO ratings
Manuka honey is an amazing natural product with unique medicinal properties – understanding the quality and strength of manuka honey is key to consumers making informed choices.
What is MGO?
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a compound which forms in honey from manuka nectar and gives the honey its medicinal properties.
The quantity of MGO in any given batch of honey varies depending on a range of factors, including the variety of blossoms visited by the bees and the age of the honey (MGO levels increase over time).
We determine the strength of our honey through testing at a New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) approved laboratory. The laboratory issues a certificate for each batch, reporting on the five manuka honey attributes; four from nectar and one DNA marker from manuka pollen. The levels of each of these classify whether a batch of honey can be classified as monofloral (predominantly manuka) or multifloral (manuka with the presence of other flower pollens) and the MGO rating.
Why Amber Valley uses the MGO Rating system
MGO ratings are the industry standard. MGO testing is a precise and reliable method of determining the concentration of the bioactive compound in every batch of honey. Every jar of Amber Valley manuka honey is tested and has the MGO level clearly stated – the higher the level, the more of this compound is present and the more active the honey.
Amber Valley produces honey with MGO ratings of 83+, 263+, 515+ and 830+. Our commitment to consumer trust means each jar carries a unique code to verify the honey’s authenticity, giving customers access to the laboratory certificate.
