It’s pretty unusual to find a sweet treat that tastes good and does good, but Manuka honey manages to tick both those boxes.
What is Manuka honey?
Manuka honey is known as ‘active’ honey; it has natural antibacterial qualities and proven health benefits. It’s made by bees foraging from the New Zealand Manuka bush. Look for the MGO rating on the jar – the higher the rating, the greater the antibacterial activity.
Scientists say it can help ease ulcers and an upset stomach, gum disease, support your immunity and ease skin conditions.
We say it tastes delicious too – and it’s not often you find something that does both! Try one of the three bee-utiful Manuka honey recipes today!
Immunity supporting smoothie
Good for: Warding off coughs and colds
Makes: One large smoothie
Nutrients per serving:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole carrot – washed but not peeled
- 1 whole orange, peeled
- 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey *
- 1 small sliver of ginger
- Juice from ½ a lime
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup water
* Available at Holland & Barrett
Method
Step 1
Put all the ingredients into a blender, whizz until combined.
Step 2
Serve in a large glass and enjoy.
Recipe supplied by Manuka Pharm
Super-chocolate truffles
Good for: A healthy chocolate fix
Makes: 12 truffles
Nutrients per serving:
Ingredients:
- 12 dates pitted *
- 1 tbsp coconut oil *
- 1 cup ground almonds *
- ⅛ cup chia seeds *
- ¼ cup raw cacao nibs * or powder *
- ¼ cup, plus an extra 2tbsp, shredded unsweetened coconut *
- 1 tbsp Manuka honey to taste*
* Available at Holland & Barrett
Method
Step 1
Put the dates into a food processor and blend until smooth.
Step 2
Add the coconut oil and continue mixing. Gradually add the ground almonds and chia seeds to form a thick paste.
Step 3
Add the raw cacao nibs or powder and 2tbsp of the shredded coconut.
Step 4
Finally, add the Manuka honey and mix thoroughly.
Step 5
Shake the remaining coconut onto a plate. Take approximately one spoonful/ping-pong sized ball of the mixture, roll it into a smooth ball between your hands, then roll it in the shredded coconut until it is covered.
Step 6
Repeat until all the mixture has been used. Chill until serving.
Recipe supplied by Comvita
Manuka honey cupcakes
Good for: A naughty-but-nice treat
Makes: 12 cupcakes
Nutrients per serving:
Ingredients:
- 250g butter unsalted, softened
- 250g golden caster sugar
- 4 eggs
- 250g self-raising flour * sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp Manuka honey *
For the buttercream:
- 50ml water
- 150g caster sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 250g butter unsalted, softened
- 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
- 1 tsp yellow food colouring
- 1 tbsp bee pollen * granules for decoration (optional)
* Available at Holland & Barrett
Method
For the cupcakes:
Step 1
Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper cases.
Step 2
Beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the flour, baking powder and Manuka honey into the mixture. Add a little milk if the mixture looks too dry.
Step 3
Divide the mixture between the cases and bake for 20 minutes.
For the buttercream:
Step 1
Pour 50ml water and 125g caster sugar into a saucepan. Heat on the hob and stir until sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to the boil, without stirring it, until it reaches 121°C. If you do not have a thermometer, make a tradional buttercream by mixing together butter and sugar.
Step 2
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Gradually add in the remaining 25g of caster sugar.
Step 3
When the pan reaches 121°C, remove from heat and sit in a bowl of cold water for a few seconds. Gradually pour the syrup into the whisked egg whites. Continue whisking for 8-10 minutes.
Step 4
Slowly whisk in the butter, vanilla extract and food colouring to form a smooth, fluffy buttercream.
Step 5
Add the buttercream to the top of the cupcakes and sprinkle on the bee pollen before it sets.
Recipe supplied by Comvita
Handpicked article: Find 10 more ways to use Manuka Honey
Liked those? Then you’ll LOVE this Honey and Coconut Granola recipe
This article has been adapted from longer features appearing in Healthy, the Holland & Barrett magazine. Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies
