MANUKA HONEY &
ALL THE BENEFITS
USES AND BENEFITS OF
MANUKA HONEY
I am often asked how to ‘use’ manuka honey. I always feel ‘enjoy’ is more appropriate as it is utterly delicious but either way, the answer is, of course, how you best like it. Taste is very individual but I hope to share a few of my favourite ways with you here and inspire you to experiment.
The benefits and uses of manuka honey have been long known to the Maori and are still enjoyed widely all over the world. Unilke many supplements , incorporating the health benefits of manuka honey into your daily regime is hardly arduous but one of life’s pleasures.
Raw
The most obvious and natural way is straight from the spoon. Pure and natural as Mother Earth intended. I always recommend eating it raw where possible to ensure that the best health benefits of New Zealand Manuka honey are retained. link to video.
Snacks
For a healthy mid morning or afternoon pick me up a teaspoon of magic manuka dipped in a bag of nut and seeds hits the spot. A delicious and ‘not so naughty’ guilty pleasure… The nuts provide protein and fats which will stop the dreaded sugar dip. I look forward to feedback on this but it beats the biscuit tin on the smug meter and is far better for you!
For Every Day
Manuka Honey is less sweet than some honeys and many say it tastes more like caramel. You can of course enjoy it as you would any other honey. Simple ways of incorporating the benefits of manuka honey into your daily diet are on wholegrain or sourdough toast , on porridge with a few blackberries or on regular or bircher muesli. It is also sensational on pancakes with a squirt of lemon or as a traditional teatime treat on crumpets.
MANUKA HONEY RECIPES
Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to start the day. They provide an energy boost before or after exercise or provide a great way of giving your digestive system a rest. Nowadays we are lucky enough to have so many quick, easy and nutritious ways of looking after our bodies. The prefect way of packing a host of superfoods and the health benefits of New Zealand manuka honey in to one delicious glass! Any time of day.
Experiment with your favourite fruits and whatever you have in the fridge. Tip: always keep some frozen summer berries in the freezer, they are often cheaper and very convenient if you can’t always get to the shops. This is an easy and delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of manuka honey in your daily routine.
Blueberry, Banana and Manuka Smoothie
1 Ripe Banana
60g / handful fresh or frozen Blueberries
250ml almond milk / coconut water / semi skimmed milk
1 or 2 tsp Manuka Direct Manuka Honey
1 teaspoon Flax Seeds (optional but very good for you) or protein powder if you prefer
2 dops Vanilla essence
Whizz in a blender and enjoy over ice or on its own. Drink immediately or take it with you to enjoy on the go. Add more liquid if it is too thick and more honey to sweeten; be adventurous, play around and find your favourite way to enjoy it.
Variations: use any frozen or fresh summer berries (raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, blueberries, strawberries )
Milk: you can substitute Oat, Soya.. or just plain water
Breakfast
My favourite Breakfast Bowl
Once you have the ingredients in your stores, this is very quick and easy to make. An incredibly simple way of impressing guests!
Fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
Coconut Yogurt (Greek or Natural)
Handful of nuts, granola or muesli
1 tablespoon Manuka Direct Manuka Honey
1 tablespoon Flax Seeds
Lemon juice
Cinnamon
A mint leaf to garnish
Gently heat the frozen summer berries with a little lemon juice and cinnamon, (if using fresh berries, just chop them). Top with a handful of granola, flax seeds if using, two tablespoons of Coconut Yoghurt and finish with a dollop of your best Manuka Honey!
Trendy breakfast
Smashed avocado on sourdough toast with a drizzle of very best manuka honey. Lemon juice, pepper and olive oil to your taste.
Drinks, Shots & Cordials
Manuka Honey, Lemon and Ginger Hot Drink
For the ultimate natural elixir put a slice (or squeeze) of lemon into a cup with a slither or chunk of fresh ginger and add boiling water. Leave it to steep for a few minutes and then add a teaspoon of precious honey. Leaving the water to cool a little preserves the health benefits of manuka honey.
Manuka Honey, Lemon and Ginger cordial
Alternatively this tangy cordial gives all the benefits of manuka honey, lemon and ginger in one. Very quick and easy to make and keeps in the fridge. Enjoy it hot, cold or as a ‘Mocktail’ with sparkling water or good quality tonic and a sprig of mint!
3 Lemons
200g Fresh Ginger
Manuka honey
Squeeze the lemons and reserve the juice, cut the rind into strips. Roughly chop the ginger (skin on) . Put lemon rind and Ginger into a pan and cover with 1 litre of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for an hour. Cool and strain. Add the lemon juice. Bottle and refrigerate. Enjoy diluted with hot or cold water or as a shot.
This is super immune boosting for every day or restorative when ill.
Turmeric, Ginger, Orange and Manuka Shot:
120 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
2 Tablespoons of manuka honey
6 cm piece of ginger, grated
10cm fresh turmeric, grated (or pinch of ground turneric)
Whisk all the ingredients into a small jug until combined. Pour into a shot glass and down in one!
Salad Dressings
Add a teaspoon manuka honey to your olive oil, vinegar, dijon and garlic dressing for the ultimate salad dressing.
I would love to hear how you enjoy the benefits of manuka honey. I am building a recipe page so please send me your favourites to manukadirect@gmail.com and if yours is featured then a jar of manuka honey will be on its way to you!