Our Bioactivity Rating System
Why are our Honeys so Unique
All about the Bees
We have found that the proliferation of rating systems for different functionalities of honey has confused the consumer. Utilising our market experience with honey rating systems we have derived a scale that is based on the simple but effective and well understood 5+, 10+, 15+, 20+ rating system used for honey. By using this scale a 10+ has twice the level of bioactivity as a 5+ and half the bioactivity of a 20+. Other foods can also be tested and compared as outlined in the antioxidant section below.
All testing for Bioactivity is performed by Independent Laboratories.
Antibacterial Manuka Honey
Well established in the world market.
Testing Methodology
The honey’s antibacterial activity is tested against a standard strain of Staphylococcus bacteria. The antibacterial strength of the honey is measured against the antibacterial strength of phenol solutions and expressed as a percentage of phenol solution.
Bioactivity Scale
The percentage of phenol solution is then converted into 5+, 10+, 20+ etc.
Pre-biotic Beech Forest Honeydew
New Zealand Honeyco’s Beech Forest Honeydew naturally contains high levels of oligosaccharides (a type of sugar). These oligosaccharides are a powerful pre-biotic helping to sustain the beneficial Bifidophilus bacteria in our intestines, maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Testing Methodology
Using standard laboratory procedures we determine the amount of oligosaccharides in the honey.
Bioactivity Scale
The amount of oligosaccharide in the honey is converted into the 5+, 10+ scale. We market our Beech Forest Honeydew under a 10+ and 20+ rating. Other honey would be expected to have a rating of about 3+.
Antioxidant Thyme Honey
New Zealand Honeyco Antioxidant Thyme Honey is among the highest antioxidant honey found in the world.
Testing Methodology
Honeys are tested using the Trolox-Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity Assay (TEAC). The TEAC assay measures the antioxidant capacity of honey and compares it to the standard antioxidant Trolox expressed as (mM TE)/kg. Trolox is a water-soluble derivative of vitamin E, which is used as the standard measure for a number of difference antioxidant assays.
Bioactivity Scale
The TEAC result is then converted into the Bioactivity scale for ease of understanding by the customer. In the bioactivity scale New Zealand Honeyco’s Thyme Honey would be expected to have an antioxidant rating of values greater than 10+ and as high as 25+. We market Thyme Honey both as Antioxidant 10+ and 20+. The following products would be expected to have following antioxidant rating based on this scale:
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Clover Honey | 2+ |
| Apple | 4+ |
| Spinach | 20+ |
| Broccoli | 10+ |
| New Zealand Blackcurrants | 32+ |
| New Zealand Blueberries | 19+ |