The Science Behind Our Mānuka Leaf
Mānuka Leaf and the Science
Mānuka trees may all look the same but what's hiding within the leaves tell a different story.
Across New Zealand, mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) grows from different chemotypes, each with its own natural chemistry. These differences influence the natural compounds within the tree.
Two examples of this happening are found in mānuka honey and mānuka essential oil. The mānuka flower's nectar relates to the MGO measured in mānuka honey. Some mānuka trees release more of the necessary compound needed to make high value mgo honey than other trees.
Mānuka essential oil is commonly rated by the amount of beta-triketones it contains. Beta triketones produce a higher level of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties than other mānuka essential oils.
Then you have the whole mānuka leaf in an undiluted state. These leaves tell another part of the same story, they expressing their own undiluted collection of compounds. Together all these parts reveal the remarkable chemistry of a single native tree.
Over the years we scientifically tested our leaf to better understand its properties. From essential oil testing, comparing other strains of mānuka leaf, antioxidant testing, flavanoid testing and antimicrobial testing. This has provided us with a better understanding of how we can best use this plant.
Gifted Seed
Our plantation began with a gifted seed.
Years later, we brewed the very first cup of mānuka tea from our plantation. As we drank it, we both noticed an unexpected feeling of relaxation, followed by frequent yawning. Curious, we compared it with tea made from wild mānuka. The flavour was different, and so was our experience.
That moment raised a simple question-why?
Rather than assuming all mānuka was the same, we chose to understand the tree we were growing. That curiosity led us to begin scientifically analysing our mānuka leaf, and it has shaped everything we've done since.
Flavour Expression
Every cup of mānuka tea reflects the leaf and the genetics of the tree, the environment in which it grows, and the care taken during harvesting and processing all leave their mark.
The result is a tea with a gentle floral character, light earthy notes and a relaxing finish.
Understanding Our Mānuka
Over the years, our cultivated mānuka leaf has undergone scientific analysis to understand its natural chemistry, including:
- Flavonoid profile
- Antioxidant capacity
- Tannins
- Essential oil compounds
- Water-soluble compounds
- Free amino acids
- Antimicrobial activity
Each analysis adds another piece to the picture. Together, they help us understand the unique characteristics of our cultivated mānuka rather than assuming every mānuka tree is the same.
Why It Matters
We believe every mānuka tree has its own story to tell.
The more we understand the natural chemistry of our cultivated strain, the better we can grow it, harvest it and share it with others. Science has simply become another way of getting to know the tree.