Neither Jarrah nor Manuka honey is universally "better"; they're different, with Jarrah often praised for higher antioxidants and broader antimicrobial action (hydrogen peroxide-based), while Manuka is known for its unique non-peroxide activity (MGO) and established clinical use. Jarrah boasts higher antioxidants (up to 3x Manuka), a smoother taste, and greater fungal activity, while Manuka excels in non-peroxide antibacterial strength, making Jarrah potentially superior for skin/fungal issues and Manuka for specific bacterial infections, though both are potent, healing honeys.
Jarrah also contains three times more antioxidants than Manuka that help to support a healthy immune system.
Just like manuka honey, jarrah honey has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but also has the added benefit of fighting common fungal skincare conditions such as tinea.
Jarrah Honey Comes from a Very Rare Tree
Unlike other trees that flower annually, Jarrah trees only blossom once every 2 to 4 years — and even then, flowering can be affected by rainfall, temperature, and natural bushfire cycles. 🌳 Rarity = limited supply = higher price.
Recent research indicates that buckwheat honey showcases similar, if not stronger, antibacterial prowess against specific bacteria when compared to Manuka honey [1]. It's time to give credit where it's due and appreciate the powerful antibacterial abilities of buckwheat honey.
There's no single "world #1" honey, but Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey is often called the "World's Best" for its awards, while Manuka Honey from New Zealand/Australia is famous for its potent antibacterial properties (UMF/MGO ratings) and health benefits, making it a top contender in terms of perceived value and medicinal use. Other highly-rated honeys include Greek honeys for their polyphenols, and unique varieties like Mexican Avocado Honey.
High in minerals and antioxidants, Buckwheat Honey is an excellent native alternative to Manuka Honey.
Low Glucose, High Fructose
Jarrah honey has a low glycaemic index (GI) compared to many other honeys. Its high fructose and low glucose content means: It's slow to crystallise (stays smooth and syrupy longer) It provides longer-lasting energy release.
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.
Costco's Kirkland Signature Manuka Honey is genuine New Zealand-sourced honey with UMF certification (typically UMF 10+ or 15+). Prices run $20-$30 for 17.6oz—roughly 30% cheaper than specialty brands. Always check the UMF logo and batch number on the jar. Not safe for infants under 1 year due to botulism risk.
Any product that bears the logo indicates that the Jarrah honey has been sourced only from reputable Western Australian beekeepers who have been independently audited for Jarrah authenticity and traceability, and then tested and packed in accordance with the certification criteria.
There are natural alternatives for preventing and managing some types of arthritis. And with its impressive anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey is certainly one of them.
Australian jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) honey produces particularly high levels of H2O2 and has been found to be potently antifungal.
Natural Immunity Booster: Tested and certified to ensure our honeys exceed the Total Activity (TA) stated on each jar, KOORA's Jarrah TA35+ strength in antimicrobial rating (equivalent to MGO 2000+), surpasses even the highest grade Manuka honey.
This is because it's antibacterial and antifungal. While the healing effects of raw honey have been known for thousands of years, the Jarrah Honey variety has recently become popular for its medicinal properties, low glucose levels, and antimicrobial activity.
The healthiest Australian honeys are typically Stingless Bee Honey (Sugarbag) for its low GI and unique sugars, and high-activity Jarrah or Manuka honeys, known for strong antibacterial properties (high MGO/TA ratings) and antioxidants, making them great for wellness, immunity, and even wound care. Raw, unprocessed varieties, like those from Eucalyptus species (Jarrah, Marri), preserve more beneficial compounds, offering superior health benefits over heated honey.
Glass is non-permeable unlike plastic, and you can see the contents to initially judge the quality and overall appearance. Aside from the possibility of glass breakage, which is very low when handled with care, glass is safer for honey storage than plastic.
The USDA states that honey is safe to eat even after expiration, but its quality may decline. Honey expiration is rare; naturally, properly preserved honey can last thousands of years without expiring. Archaeologists have found honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that is still perfectly edible.
A honey well known for its antibacterial properties is manuka honey, which is obtained from manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) and contains substantial amounts of methylglyoxal (MGO). Methylglyoxal harbors selective toxicity to bacterial cells, causing bacterial cell death and inhibition of bacterial replication.
Ways to Enjoy Jarrah Honey
Daily wellness boost – Take a spoonful each morning for immune support. Natural sweetener – Add to tea, coffee, or smoothies. Gourmet pairing – Drizzle over cheese, yoghurt, or fresh fruit. Skin care – Apply as a natural face mask for hydration and healing.
Elvish honey is renowned as one of the best honeys in the world. Produced in the Artvin province in Turkiye, this honey is harvested from caves located in the impressive mountains of northeastern Turkiye, sometimes at elevations of over 1800 metres above sea level.
It's a highly prized food, since these trees only grow in Western Australia, and they only flower once every two years. For this reason, and coupled with its amazing benefits to health, like Manuka honey, Jarrah honey costs more than regular supermarket honey.
Is UMF or MGO Better? UMF is a more comprehensive grading system, while MGO is simpler and more direct to test. Because they measure different aspects of mānuka honey, neither system is inherently more reliable than the other.
Manuka Honey hails from New Zealand and is the healthiest honey in the world! It has more Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties than any other honey! Manuka Honey is packed with Nutrients and Enzymes, and works great on your skin for any kinds of cuts or scrapes!
Total Activity is a measure of the bioactive properties of the honey and indicates the antibacterial strength. This test is currently accurate on a scale of 0-35+ with the highest possible rating Jarrah Honey receives the highest possible rating that the test measures at 35+.