Honey with lemon and ginger is a traditional warming drink to soothe the throat.

But why not upgrade to a New Zealand Manuka honey this Winter?

Manuka has anti-microbial properties that other types of honey do not display which has helped make it a global sensation in recent years.

Every jar of Manuka Doctor’s genuine Manuka Honey is guaranteed to meet the strict New  Zealand Government Standard. With every pot packed in the country’s North Island and tested five times before sale.

Not every batch of Manuka honey is the same however. Different factors can affect the strength such as the density of Manuka bushes the bees visited, the area, weather, soil, or even moisture.

That’s why Manuka honey is generally graded according to MGO content. MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, and is the naturally occurring compound which gives Manuka its anti-microbial (bacteria killing) properties.

The number on the pot refers to the amount of MGO contained, expressed in milligrams per kilogram. So a 100 MGO pot will be tested to contain at least 100 milligrams of Methylglyoxal per kilogram.

New Zealand export law also defines two different standards of Manuka honey:

1. MultiFloral Manuka which must meet set levels of four naturally occurring compounds and pass a DNA test to prove the honey is from true New Zealand manuka bushes (Leptospermum Scoparia). Because it’s impossible to control where a bee flies, Multifloral Manuka must contain ‘wholly or mainly Manuka’, although it is possible there will be other floral sources in the honey.

2. MonoFloral Manuka must meet higher levels of the four naturally occurring markers and pass the DNA test. As the name suggests (mono = one) MonoFloral Manuka is a purer grade which is made primarily from the nectar of the Manuka bush itself. If a batch of honey fails these strict Government tests, then it is non-manuka.

Try our Manuka Doctor Hot Toddy recipe

Hot toddies are traditional slow sippers or night caps. If you order one at a bar you’ll probably receive one with whiskey but if you prefer you can make your hot toddy with dark rum or brandy too. Here’s how:

1. Peel or grate a chunk of Ginger, pour over boiling water and leave to cool slightly.
2. Next mix in a full tablespoon of the Manuka honey.
3. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
4. Finally, and optionally, add in a little whiskey.
5. Enjoy!