Manuka honey, a type of honey indigenous to New Zealand, is renowned for its unique flavor and potential health benefits. The Wedderspoon brand, a major producer of Manuka honey, uses an exclusive system known as the Kfactor to grade their product. This guide aims to help you understand what the KFactor grading system is and how it differs from other grading systems.
The KFactor Grading System: An Overview
The term ‘Kfactor’ is short for ‘Key Factors,’ a method Wedderspoon devised to maintain their Manuka honey’s quality and authenticity. However, it’s important to note from the outset that the KFactor grading system doesn’t focus on the antibacterial power of Manuka honey, unlike the more widely recognized Universal Manuka Factor (UMF) system. Instead, it assesses the purity and the authenticity of the product.
The Evolution of the KFactor Grading System
Initially, the KFactor grading system was designed to measure five key markers in Manuka honey: the percentage of Manuka pollen, the presence of live enzymes, pH levels, antioxidants, and the DHA level. Over time, Wedderspoon evolved this definition to incorporate a broader consideration of Manuka honey’s quality.
Now, the KFactor grading system includes key factors such as Non-GMO project verification, a commitment to raw and unpasteurized honey, traceability from the source in New Zealand to the consumer’s home, and verifying purity through rigorous testing for antibiotics, glyphosate, and pesticides.
Understanding The KFactor Levels
Originally, the KFactor system comprised three levels – 12, 16, and 22 – denoting Manuka’s pollen presence in the honey. However, currently, the KFactor system features only two levels based on the distinction between monofloral and multifloral Manuka honey.
- KFactor 16 represents monofloral Manuka honey, wherein the pollen count is majorly from the Manuka flower.
- KFactor 12 refers to multifloral Manuka honey, denoting a mix of Manuka pollen with other floral pollens.
Wedderspoon asserts that KFactor 16 and 12 meet or exceed the Manuka honey standards outlined by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which we will look at shortly.
Comparing KFactor with Other Grading Systems
Contrary to the UMF grading system that measures compounds like Methylglyoxal (MGO), non-peroxide activity (NPA), and Leptosperin in Manuka honey, the KFactor doesn’t take these elements into account. It is essential to understand that KFactor grades do not have direct equivalents in UMF grades, as both systems assess different qualities of the honey. In practice, the KFactor primarily focuses on the purity of honey, whereas the UMF system evaluates potency, authenticity, shelf life, and freshness.
Update: Wedderspoon recently launched a Manuka honey labeled with MGO 850+, as opposed to using their own KFactor grading.
Regulatory Considerations
In 2017, with the goal of enhancing consumer clarity, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) implemented a science-based definition of Manuka honey. According to this definition, all exported Manuka honey must fulfill certain criteria, which include four chemical and one DNA marker tests. Detailed information about these criteria can be found here.
MPI’s regulations differentiate between monofloral honey (mostly from the Manuka flower) and multifloral honey (blended with diverse floral sources). They require all Manuka honey from New Zealand to adhere to these multifloral or monofloral definitions.
Verifying The Authenticity and Quality of Manuka Honey
According to Wedderspoon’s website, their Manuka honey is subject to rigorous quality checks. The brand proudly states that each batch is independently tested to meet or exceed the Manuka honey standards set forth by the New Zealand government.
Moreover, the company guarantees traceability, ensuring that their honey can be tracked from the beehives in New Zealand to consumers’ homes.
In addition, Wedderspoon’s Manuka honey is kept raw and unpasteurized, preserving the complex chemical compounds and living enzymes that may be destroyed by high-temperature processing. The firm’s production and packing facility has earned a Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification. They also proudly possess the FernMark, a mark of distinction for New Zealand businesses.
Concluding Thoughts
To summarise, the KFactor grading system provides a unique way to verify the authenticity and purity of Manuka honey. While it lacks a focus on antibacterial properties as seen in UMF and MGO systems, it commits to maintaining measures of quality control. When purchasing Manuka honey, however, consumers might still want to look at the UMF™ grade or the MGO rating to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its quality and benefits.
By understanding the different grading systems, you can make an informed decision on the type of Manuka honey that aligns with your health goals.
For more information about Wedderspoon and their products, you can visit their official website at https://wedderspoon.com.
