On a global scale, Manuka honey is one of the better known, and increasingly popular New Zealand honey. It is made from the nectar of the Manuka tree, the unmistakable dark colour and earthy flavour of Manuka honey are thought to have medicinal or healing qualities. Usually, beekeepers position their hives in the areas where Manuka plants (Leptospermum scoparium) are in greater numbers and bees then do the rest.
The purity of the Manuka honey is measured by a couple of scientific methods e.g. MGO (concentration of methylglyoxal).
The Rewarewa honey also comes from an indigenous plant called Rewarewa (Knightsia excelsa) which is rich in taste, antioxidants as well as contains some antibacterial properties. This plant grows in groves in well-lit parts of New Zealand forest and stands above the forest shrubbery. It can grow up to 30 meters in height.
The flowers of Rewarewa are rich in sugar hence regarded as true honeysuckles. Rewarewa honey is reddish amber honey with a rich full-bodied taste. It is favoured by chefs for use in savoury and dessert dishes.
Tawari honey comes from mainly North Island areas which are dominated by these plants. Tawari (Ixerba brexinoides) is a unique New Zealand native plant that grows to 10 meter height. The native people used the flowers as a natural ornament.
The flowers are usually pollinated by native bats and honey bees collect nectars from the base of the flower. It is a light honey, not too sweet but silky smooth in texture. It also has antibacterial activity that is peroxide-based. This honey is also used in skin treatments.
Nearly 70% of the New Zealand landscape is under pasture agriculture which contains a mixture of clover and ryegrass. The abundance of clover flowers during late spring and summer provides significant nectar for honey production. Clover honey is usually light coloured compared to Manuka or Rewarewa honey. Clover honey tastes yummy on buttered toasts. Clover honey is also called pasture honey. We supply both liquid and creamed clover honey.