Glossary
A premium Australian honey produced by bees foraging on the blossoms of jelly bush (Leptospermum polygalifolium and related species), closely related to New Zealand's Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium). Jelly bush honey exhibits high non-peroxide antibacterial activity (NPA) similar to Manuka, making it a therapeutic competitor.
Australia has over 80 native Leptospermum species (compared to New Zealand's single species), and several produce honey with significant non-peroxide antibacterial activity. Jelly bush honey from L. polygalifolium is the most commercially developed, with NPA ratings equivalent to Manuka's UMF system.
The antibacterial activity comes from the same fundamental mechanism as Manuka: methylglyoxal (MGO) formed from the dihydroxyacetone (DHA) naturally present in Leptospermum nectar. Australian jelly bush honey can achieve MGO concentrations comparable to high-grade Manuka honey.
Jelly bush honey competes with Manuka in the therapeutic honey market, often at lower price points despite comparable antibacterial activity. Australia's diverse Leptospermum species and vast landscapes provide production capacity that could eventually rival New Zealand's Manuka output.
The naming and grading system for Australian medicinal honey is still developing. NPA (Non-Peroxide Activity) is the Australian equivalent of Manuka's UMF rating. Some Australian producers also use the MGO rating system directly, creating cross-compatibility with Manuka gradings.
Laboratory testing shows comparable antibacterial activity between high-NPA jelly bush honey and equivalent-grade Manuka honey. Both derive their activity from the same compound (methylglyoxal). The main differences are price (jelly bush is often less expensive) and brand recognition (Manuka is better known).
Eastern Australia, particularly New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania. The Leptospermum species that produce medicinal honey grow in coastal and mountainous regions. Australian beekeepers are increasingly positioning these hives specifically for jelly bush honey production.
Rich, slightly herbal, with mineral undertones. The flavor is generally bolder than clover or wildflower but less assertive than buckwheat. It has some similarity to Manuka in flavor profile, which is unsurprising given the closely related botanical source.
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