This tiny little flower on a scraggly bush packs a powerhouse of goodness. This is New Zealand Manuka and the honey from this bush has taken the world by storm.
I am lucky enough to live just 20 minutes from where it all started, so thought I would take you on a quick drive out to Comvita who produce UMF honey. (The UFM stands for Unique Manuka Factor). I have chosen Comvita not just because I live so close, but because they were the first in the world to discover the UMF and in the face of strong opposition and ridicule they have not only survived, but proved themselves....Besides....I wanted to try the muffins at the cafe.
As usual, it had been raining as we headed out on our new-ish stretch of motorway to Comvita on the outskirts of Tauranga
The colours on the outside are typically used for beehives. I have worked in the paint industry for many years and there are certain colours they are attracted to, others they will ignore. I have supplied many litres of paint for bee hives, it's been fun coming up with colours (mainly pastel)
It was pretty dreary looking when we pulled up.
This is a typical Manuka tree/bush. They grow wild everywhere! Some are white flowered.
Never one to back away from a coffee and a muffin, we ventured in.
It has been a few years since I was last here and the place is still very warm and inviting.
This is the retail part, where you can sample and buy from an extensive range. As it was still Winter, there was a theme of cold and cough remedies.
I wasn't sure if I was allowed to take photo's in there (they may think I was an Industrial Espionage agent) I stealthily took shots when the staff weren't looking, one of the ladies came over and we got chatting (as you do) and she was only too happy for me to click away....whew! I'm no good at undercover.
Here's the amazing liquid itself
Where and who started it all. He's now 101 years old and still going strong!!
They even had a live bee hive. It was such a grotty day, but they were busy going in and out.
They don't like being in the shop area so the staff rotate the hives about every 10 days. The close up's of the bees are a bit blurry as they were beating their wings very fast. The bee with the little sticker on it No 48, is the Queen
Coming in from outside
I absolutely LOVE Bee's and took a few shots of some amazing facts. (I didn't know any of this, now, they are even MORE precious )
They never sleep ? Only half a teaspoon ?!! Those dear wee things.
But wait....there's more
I think this is the way of the near future in the fight against infection and the rise in Antibiotic resistant bacteria. A lot of research has gone into this and is still ongoing (see video)
We had just missed the tour so decided to head home. (Muffin was YUM)
I have included a link to a video by Comvita, not that I'm promoting the company, but they have done an excellent job of putting together some interesting facts about where Maunka and UMF Manuka Honey comes from and how they do what they do. The Medical segment near the end is pretty interesting.
I hope you have enjoyed seeing where New Zealand Manuka honey first started and, like me, have found a new love and respect for those hard little workers, our honey bee's.
I will definitly go back for the Tour and hopefully be able to take some photo's, until then, hopefully this link to the Comvita video will work.
