Is Manuka honey better than Jarrah? What is the difference between Manuka and Jarrah? Here we explain the science behind the two honeys, and provide our explanation for the conclusion.
Jarrah honey and Manuka honey are different kinds of honey, however both (when high quality) can be classified as medicinal.
Jarrah honey is produced from the nectar of Jarrah trees (Eucalyptus marginata) which can only be found in Western Australia, whereas Manuka honey comes from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) which can be found in New Zealand and Australia.
Manuka honey derives its main medicinal property from a higher than normal concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO) a phytochemical produced by the Manuka bush which gives non-peroxide activity (NPA). The Activity of Manuka is rated by either an MGO value or the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), which is a proprietary value for the NPA, and typically ranges from 5 to 25. The presence of MGO results in a strong, often bitter and earthy flavour.
Because the MGO is derived from the Manuka bush, the higher the value (or UMF), the higher the quality of the honey. Jarrah honey has a larger range of beneficial properties, plus a much stronger Activity. The strong beneficial properties (other than the Activity) result from the very unique composition of the honey, and include very low GI (for honey), strong prebiotic power, resistance to crystallisation, and many phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The very strong antimicrobial power in Jarrah honey is mostly Peroxide Activity (PA), the honey preservation process developed by bees over many millions of years of evolution. The PA results from residual glucose oxidase, an enzyme placed in the nectar by the bees to preserve it during conversion to honey via chemical reactions and dehydration. In most honeys, the residual PA is very low, but for reasons unknown it is very high in many WA honeys, including Jarrah.
The antimicrobial power of Jarrah honey is rated by the Total Activity (TA) value, which is the sum of the NPA and PA.
Therefore, the TA value of Jarrah honey is equivalent to the UMF value for Manuka. The conversion of TA/NPA/UMF to MGO is not linear. For example, TA15 is about MGO500+, TA25 is about MGO1200 whereas Jarrah with TA45 is equivalent to MGO2600.
Because the Activity in Jarrah is PA derived from the bee enzyme glucose oxidase, the TA has no relationship at all to the quality of the Jarrah honey.
When you ingest honey, you’re leveraging its systemic properties. Based on the data above, Jarrah honey is exceptionally equipped for this role.
A Powerhouse for Gut Health: The combination of a higher probiotic index and stronger antibacterial activity makes Jarrah a formidable functional food for the gut. It can more effectively support beneficial gut bacteria while helping to manage undesirable bacterial growth.
Unmatched Antibacterial and Antioxidant Capacity: With a TA45+ Total Activity and high antioxidant level, Jarrah provides superior defence against oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic inflammation, ageing, and various diseases.
Every spoonful is a potent boost for your cellular health.
Truly Diabetic-Friendly: The lower Glycemic Index (GI) of Jarrah honey is a critical differentiator. For those monitoring their blood sugar, it provides a sweeter, more therapeutic option than Manuka without causing the same spike in blood glucose
levels.