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.

three in a box manuka honey
three in a box manuka honey

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.

three in a box manuka honey

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

V3 Metalic M Cut Out- Manuka Direct MGO 263+ 250g Prop

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

V3 Metalic M Cut Out- Manuka Direct MGO 263+ 250g Prop

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!