WIN: a package of the finest-quality Manuka honey (450 MGO) from New Zealand worth €184.98

Manuka honey is not ordinary honey. For example, the honey is produced only in New Zealand and is known for its antibacterial properties. It is also an expensive honey, partly because of its exclusivity. So it’s extra nice that you can win one of the ten packages.

Let’s get straight to the point: we’re giving away no fewer than 10 packages of Manuka honey. Each package contains one jar of 100 MGO and one jar of 450 MGO, with a total value of €184.98. And all thanks to James Annabell, the founder of Egmont Honey, whom we recently spoke to in Amsterdam.

Great Christmas gift

James started the company with his father after giving him a beehive for Christmas. A rather unusual gift—he is the first to admit it. But his father was immediately delighted, and he is still the company’s beekeeper to this day. Meanwhile, Egmont Honey has become an important player in the market, New Zealand’s third-largest. But what exactly is Manuka honey, and why is it so special? And what can you actually do with it?

Manuka: only here

The nectar for this special honey is collected from the Manuka, a native shrub found only in New Zealand. Manuka is known for its powerful antibacterial properties; it is related to the familiar Tea Tree, making this honey not only delicious but also beneficial. Because Manuka honey is currently hugely popular, it is always advisable to check carefully whether the Manuka honey you are holding or seeing advertised really does come from New Zealand and is packaged and shipped there.

Manuka and the MGO content

With Egmont Manuka Honey, that’s all taken care of; every jar is independently tested and certified. With Manuka honey, this concerns the level of Methylglyoxal (MGO), an important substance that distinguishes Manuka from other honey. The higher the MGO content, the more powerful its unique bioactivity and antibacterial effect. That level can vary from year to year, just as the MGO content can vary from one area to another. The soil, the wind—it all plays a role.

Precious stuff

Manuka honey is expensive, and there are several reasons for that. One is that Manuka flowers for six weeks a year, the period when the bees are transported to the Manuka in a very remote part of New Zealand. This is done by helicopter—eight beehives at a time. Expensive, in other words. There isn’t a huge amount of it, as only a certain quantity can be produced each year. Every year, demand exceeds supply. And then there are the special beneficial properties that other honey does not have.

Cautious with health claims, but still…

James is cautious about making hard-and-fast health claims, but he does know one thing for certain: Manuka honey can help relieve a sore throat or symptoms such as coughing. More appealing health benefits: Manuka honey can promote the healing of minor skin wounds, and it is generally soothing for dry skin and chapped lips. Eczema or acne? It can also help to apply Manuka honey in those cases.

Also in the kitchen

But a spoonful of Manuka straight from the jar—delicious! Think dulce de leche, but all-natural. Manuka in (not hot) tea? Yes!, says James. But Manuka is also great in the kitchen. An after-sport smoothie with Manuka—delicious! Manuka over a banana pancake—mmm. James’s favorite recipe is Manuka French toast, and he is happy to share it with us.

Delicious recipe: Manuka French toast

James immediately recommended one of his favorite recipes with Manuka honey: French toast with cinnamon and honey, which can be on the table in no time.

What you need

• 3 medium eggs
• 2 tablespoons Egmont Manuka Honey MGO 100+
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk
• 4 x 1 cm slices of white bread, cut yourself (180g)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 200 g fresh berries and 4 tbsp low-fat Greek yogurt, to serve

How to make it

• Whisk the eggs, 1 tablespoon of honey, cinnamon and milk together in a shallow dish.
• Dip 2 slices of bread at a time into the mixture, turning them over until all the egg mixture has been absorbed.
• Heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the bread over low heat for 1–2 minutes on each side, until golden.
• Serve with fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt and drizzle with the remaining warmed honey.

Chance to win a package of Manuka honey

All you have to do is let us know under our Facebook post or under our Instagram post who you would like to try this fantastic honey with. Make sure to do so before 1 December 2021, as that is when we will announce the winner.

Didn’t win? Egmont Manuka Honey is available both in stores and online from Holland & Barrett. You can choose from three different types of honey: Manuka Honey MGO 100+ (500g, €94.99), Manuka Honey MGO 250+ (500g, €129.99) and Manuka Honey MGO 450+ (250g, €139.99, also available in a 500g jar for €199.99).

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