Thyme honey vs. Manuka honey

27 Mar Thyme honey vs. Manuka honey

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Thyme Honey from the South of France vs. Manuka Honey from New Zealand

 

The two honeys are similar – a juxtaposition – also for the nature’s sake.

 

So much has been written and researched about Manuka honey.

The similarities & differences to the most comparable Thyme Honey are interesting.

 

Here is a comparison with further links to scientific studies.

 

The life cycle assessment of the two honeys:

Manuka honey

It comes from New Zealand and is extracted from the nectar of the flowers of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). The Manuka bush is an evergreen bush or small tree native to New Zealand and traditionally used as a medicinal plant in Maori culture.

 

It is important to note that the term “Manuka honey” is legally protected in New Zealand and can only contain honey from the nectar of the Manuka bush that has been harvested and processed in New Zealand.

 

A precise determination of the eco-balance for the transport of 1 kg of Manuka honey from New Zealand to Switzerland is difficult and depends on various factors, such as:

• Means of transport:

The transport by road can have the greatest impact on CO2 emissions. Transport by ship has lower CO2 emissions per kilometre than transport by air, but transport by ship takes longer. The CO2 emission for transport by ship from New Zealand to Switzerland is about 0.02 kg CO2 per kg honey and for transport by plane about 2.28 kg CO2 per kg honey (based on data from myclimate.org).

• Packaging:

The choice of packaging can also have an impact on the life cycle assessment. It is possible that more energy is used to transport honey in glass containers than in plastic containers. On the other hand, glass containers are reusable and recyclable, while plastic containers can usually only be used once.

• Production standards:

It is also important to consider whether the producer of the Manuka honey uses sustainable practices to minimise energy consumption during honey production and reduce CO2 emissions.

 

Overall, it can be said that transporting 1 kg of Manuka honey from New Zealand to Switzerland can cause CO2 emissions of around 0.02 kg to 2.28 kg of CO2, depending on the transport. However, it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions by choosing more environmentally friendly transport methods and paying attention to sustainable production standards.

 

Thyme honey:

We will base our study on the thyme honey from the South of France. Of course, there is also high quality thyme honey from other Mediterranean countries, such as Greece, Crete, Spain to name a few.

Based on similar considerations, transporting 1 kg of thyme honey from the South of France to Switzerland could cause about 0.018 kg of CO2 if the transport is done by road and the honey is packed in reusable glass containers.

 

Conclusion:

As the distance between New Zealand and Switzerland is about 18,000 kilometres, it is ecologically questionable to import it to a honey continent and the Alpine region respectively.

 

Characteristics of the two honeys:

Is it worth importing a honey from the other side of the globe to Switzerland – for its positive properties.

 

A comparison test:

 

Aromas:

Manuka honey and thyme honey both have their own characteristic taste.

 

Manuka honey

It often has a strong and unique flavour that can be described as earthy, bitter, tart and malty. The taste can vary depending on the place of origin, season and MGO content. Manuka honey can also have a slightly sour taste, which comes from the natural gluconic acid content.

 

Thyme honey

it has a mild and pleasant taste that can be described as sweet, spicy and slightly tart. The taste often depends on the type of flower from which the honey comes. Thyme honey may also have a slight menthol-like flavour, which comes from the natural essential oil content.

 

Conclusion:

It is important to note that the taste of honey often depends on individual differences and can vary from person to person. Taste can also be affected by the consistency and texture of honey, which depend on crystallisation and moisture content.

Taste remains a matter of taste.

I like to compare honey to wine. Some love a Premier Cru others New Zealand wine.

 

What about their health-promoting properties?

 

Beneficial properties of thyme honey:

Thyme honey has a variety of beneficial properties due to its unique composition and origin. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. 1. • Antibacterial:

Thyme honey has strong antibacterial properties due to its high content of phenolic compounds such as thymol and carvacrol. In one study, thyme honey was shown to have higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus than other honeys.

• • • Anti-inflammatory:

Thyme honey also contains flavonoids, terpenes and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. A study on rats showed that treatment with thyme honey caused a significant reduction in blood inflammation levels.

• • • Antioxidant:

Thyme honey contains antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids, which can help prevent free radical damage in the body. One study found that thyme honey has a higher antioxidant capacity than other honeys.

• • • Soothing:

Thyme honey may help relieve cough irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that a mixture of thyme honey and ivy extract was more effective than a placebo in children with cough irritation.

• • • Digestive health:

Thyme honey may help improve digestive health due to its antibacterial properties. One study showed that treatment with thyme honey led to a reduction in the number of harmful bacteria in the intestines of rats.

• • • Immunsystem strengthening:

Thyme honey can strengthen the immune system by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses. One study found that thyme honey can reduce the number of bacteria that cause respiratory infections.

• • • Regenerating:

Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, thyme honey can also be used for skin care. It can help treat acne and rashes and moisturise the skin.

 

Please note that the effectiveness of thyme honey varies depending on the quality and quantity of the active ingredients it contains, and that further research is needed to better understand its specific effects and dosages.

Conclusion:

Overall, thyme honey has many beneficial properties and can be a useful addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, it is important to note that honey still contains sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation. People with diabetes or other health problems should consult their doctor before adding honey to their diet.

 

Beneficial properties of Manuka honey:

Manuka honey has a variety of beneficial properties due to its unique composition and origin. Here are some of the most important ones:

 

1. • Antibacterial:

Manuka honey contains high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), which is known for its antibacterial properties. Studies have shown Manuka Honey to be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

• • Wound-healing:

The antibacterial properties of Manuka Honey can help heal wounds and prevent infection. Manuka honey has been shown to be effective in treating chronic wounds such as foot ulcers and bedsores.

• • Anti-inflammatory:

Manuka honey may have anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful in treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and gastrointestinal complaints.

• • Antioxidant:

Manuka honey contains antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage from free radicals and boost the immune system.

• • Gastro-intestinal health:

Manuka honey can help treat gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have shown that Manuka Honey has an antibacterial effect on Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal ulcers.

• • Skin regenerating:

Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Manuka honey can also be used for skin care. It can help treat acne and rashes and moisturise the skin.

 

Please note that the efficacy of Manuka Honey varies depending on the quality and quantity of methylglyoxal it contains and that further research is needed to better understand its specific effects and dosages.

 

Conclusion:

Both manuka honey and thyme honey have health-promoting properties and are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Here are some comparisons between the two honeys:

• Antimicrobial properties:

A 2018 study showed that manuka honey had a stronger antibacterial effect on several types of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, than thyme honey. However, thyme honey showed a stronger effect against fungal infections than manuka honey.

• Anti-inflammatory properties:

Both honeys have anti-inflammatory properties, but studies suggest that manuka honey has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than thyme honey.

• Wound healing:

In terms of wound healing, manuka honey has an advantage over thyme honey due to its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) and other bioactive compounds.

• Antioxidant activity:

Thyme honey is known for its antioxidant effect caused by its high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Manuka honey also contains antioxidants, but in smaller amounts than thyme honey.

 

Overall, both manuka honey and thyme honey have their own health-promoting properties and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, when it comes to specific uses, such as treating infections or wounds, it may be wise to choose the particular honey based on its specific properties.

 

It remains questionable to import a honey that comes from 18’000 km away with our honey diversity around our regions.

In addition, the price of Manuka honey can easily amount to CHF 40 per 250 g and can rise to an astronomical CHF 300 for 340 g (price per kilo of CHF 908).

This is probably comparable to wine again.

 

Studies:

Curious you would like to try some of our selected Propolia honeys or our own brand CHitin honey?

We have many honeys of high quality to awaken your tastebuds. Find out the honey type you like the most.

 

Your CHitin.online team

Raphaël & Aurélie