How Australians Define the Best Manuka Honey

In Australia, manuka honey is produced when bees collect nectar from native Leptospermum plants. These plants grow naturally in specific regions, particularly across parts of New South Wales. Coastal bushland areas benefit from clean air, native vegetation, and relatively stable conditions, while some inland regions offer open, less disturbed environments. Seasonal rainfall, soil type, and flowering cycles all influence how much nectar is available and how the honey develops. Harvesting methods play an important role in determining honey quality. Many Australian producers use low-temperature extraction rather than high-heat processing. This method helps preserve the honey’s natural structure and limits unnecessary alteration. As a result, naturally occurring elements such as pollen or traces of propolis may remain. This approach keeps the honey closer to its original state and is often associated with what people consider the best manuka honey.