The Journey of Mānuka Honey – From Forest to Jar
Making authentic Mānuka honey in New Zealand is no ordinary task. After the bees finish pollinating avocado orchards, the hives are flown by helicopter deep into remote Mānuka forests. These areas are so rugged that trucks can’t reach them—helicopters are the only way to set the hives down among the wild Mānuka tea trees. 🌿
But the hard work doesn’t stop there. Beekeepers head out every single day to check the hives, monitoring nectar flow and ensuring the honey is developing the way they want. Why? Because the potency of Mānuka honey depends on something called MGO (Methylglyoxal)—a naturally occurring compound that gives Mānuka its famous antibacterial strength.
✨ How it works:
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Hive Placement & Nectar Collection: By carefully placing hives in untouched forests filled with Mānuka blossoms, bees gather nectar rich in DHA, the compound that later matures into MGO.
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Harvesting & Processing: Beekeepers harvest with care—always leaving plenty for the bees, especially in winter—and avoid over-manipulation to preserve the honey’s natural structure and potency. Low-temperature straining ensures every drop stays as close to nature as possible.
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Science & Monitoring: MGO levels are carefully tracked throughout the season. The higher the MGO number, the higher the honey’s potency. Some beekeepers even examine each comb individually to ensure uniform quality.
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Testing & Certification: Every authentic jar is independently tested and certified under New Zealand’s strict Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) standards. This system is unmatched worldwide, setting a gold standard for authenticity and quality.
And here’s where The Happy Bee Co-op is truly one-of-a-kind: our Avocado Mānuka Honey is a bee-crafted blend of nectar from both avocado blossoms and Mānuka flowers. 🥑🍯🐝 This honey is not blended by humans—it’s created naturally by the bees themselves. We’re proud to say it’s the only honey of its kind in the world, available exclusively from us.
All this effort—from helicopters in the sky, to daily beekeeper visits, to rigorous testing—means that when you taste The Happy Bee Co-op honey, you’re experiencing something no one else can offer: authentic New Zealand Mānuka honey with a rare avocado twist.
