FAQ
Why choose Land Girl?
Land Girl is one of only a handful of certified organic Mānuka honey producers in New Zealand. Every jar is harvested from our own remote apiaries, independently UMF™ certified, and produced to strict organic standards from hive to home.
What's the difference between UMF™ and MGO?
UMF™ is considered the gold standard for authentic New Zealand Mānuka honey.
MGO (Methylglyoxal) is just one naturally occurring marker in Mānuka honey and is often used on its own to indicate strength.
UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) is a far more comprehensive certification. Every batch is independently tested against four key markers:
- MGO (Methylglyoxal) – measures the naturally occurring MGO content.
- Leptosperin – confirms the honey comes from genuine New Zealand Mānuka nectar.
- DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) – the naturally occurring precursor that develops into MGO over time.
- HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) – indicates freshness and confirms the honey hasn't been overheated or excessively aged.
That's why every jar of Land Girl displays both a UMF™ rating and an MGO number—giving you a complete picture of your honey's quality and strength.
What do the UMF™ grades mean?
The higher the UMF™ rating, the higher the concentration of naturally occurring MGO. To achieve a UMF™ rating, the honey must also meet strict standards for three other key markers, making UMF™ a more comprehensive measure of quality.
The figures below are the minimum MGO levels required for each UMF™ grade. Many producers, including Land Girl, exceed these minimums.
- UMF™ 5+ → Minimum MGO 83+ mg/kg
- UMF™ 10+→ Minimum MGO 263+ mg/kg
- UMF™ 15+→ Minimum MGO 514+ mg/kg
- UMF™ 20+→ Minimum MGO 829+ mg/kg
As the UMF™ grade increases, the honey becomes increasingly rare and develops a richer, more distinctive Mānuka flavour.
What does MGO mean?
MGO stands for Methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Mānuka honey. It's measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and is one indicator of the honey's strength.
The higher the MGO number, the higher the concentration of naturally occurring MGO in the honey.
What are the ingredients?
Just one: 100% Certified Organic New Zealand Mānuka Honey.
Nothing added. No preservatives. No artificial ingredients. Just pure Mānuka honey.
How often should I take Mānuka honey?
We recommend enjoying at least one teaspoon daily. If you're feeling run down, have a scratchy throat, or simply love the taste, it's perfectly fine to enjoy more throughout the day.
Does Mānuka honey expire?
Honey doesn't spoil when stored correctly. The Best Before date simply indicates how long we guarantee the UMF™ and MGO rating printed on the jar.
How should I store the honey?
Store your honey in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration isn't necessary and will simply make it firmer and harder to scoop.
Do I need to use a wooden spoon?
No. Despite the common myth, using a metal spoon won't damage your honey or reduce its natural properties. Wooden, stainless steel and ceramic spoons are all perfectly fine.
Is Mānuka honey safe for children?
Mānuka honey should not be given to infants under 12 months of age (or any honey for that matter). For children over one year old, it can be enjoyed just like any other honey.
Is Land Girl an American or New Zealand company?
Both.
Our honey is proudly harvested, independently tested and packed in New Zealand. To supply customers in the United States, we established Land Girl Organics LLC, our U.S. company, which imports our certified organic honey directly from New Zealand and fulfils orders from our U.S. warehouse.
This allows us to meet strict USDA organic import requirements while ensuring every jar remains fully traceable from hive to home.
Where do you ship from?
All Land Girl honey is harvested, tested and packed in New Zealand before being shipped in bulk to our U.S. warehouse. From there, orders are dispatched directly to customers across the United States, ensuring fast delivery while maintaining the integrity of our honey.
What is your returns policy?
We stand behind every jar of Land Girl honey. If your order arrives damaged or there's an issue with your purchase, please contact us within 30 days and we'll make it right. For full details, please see our Shipping & Returns Policy.
Do you sell anywhere else in the world?
Not at the moment.
Land Girl is currently available exclusively in the United States. Certified Organic Mānuka honey represents only a small fraction of New Zealand's total Mānuka honey production, and we're focused on building a strong presence in the U.S. before expanding into additional international markets.