The Raw Truth: Why Raw Manuka Honey Is Better for You (And How Gather By Delivers It Naturally)

When it comes to honey, not all jars are created equal. The difference between raw and heat-treated honey is more than just a label—it's about how the honey is made, what nutrients remain inside, and the effect it can have on your health. 

At Gather By, we proudly offer raw Australian Manuka honey, harvested with care, minimally processed, and delivered in its purest form. But what does 'raw' mean, and why does it matter? Let’s dig in. 

What is Raw Honey? 

Raw honey is honey in its most natural state—extracted from the hive, strained to remove debris, and packed without being heat-treated. That means no pasteurisation, ultra-filtration, or damage to the beneficial compounds naturally found in the honey. 

In contrast, heat-treated honey is often heated to high temperatures (sometimes over 70°C) to delay crystallisation and make it easier to handle or filter. This process can destroy many of the delicate enzymes, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that make honey such a powerful health ally. 

Why Raw Honey is Better 

The benefits of raw honey are extensive, especially when left as nature intended: 

• Enzyme-Rich: Raw honey contains enzymes like glucose oxidase, which helps produce hydrogen peroxide—a key compound in honey’s natural antibacterial effect. 

• Antioxidants Intact: Heating honey can break down antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. Raw honey keeps them intact, helping combat oxidative stress in the body. 

• Supports Gut Health: Raw honey can support the growth of good gut bacteria thanks to its prebiotic properties. 

• Natural Anti-Inflammatory: The compounds in raw honey may help reduce inflammation, both internally and when used on the skin. 

• Better for Skin Healing: Raw Manuka is especially helpful when applied topically, retaining its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory strength. 

• Smoother Energy Release: The natural sugars in raw honey are absorbed more gradually, avoiding the crash that comes with refined sugar. 

Why Gather By is Committed to Raw Honey 

At Gather By, our mission has always been to deliver honey as nature intended. We believe in letting the bees and plants do the heavy lifting—and it shows in the quality of our honey. 

• Minimal Processing: Our honey is hand-harvested and gently strained, not filtered. We never heat it beyond the natural hive temperatures. 

• Controlled Ageing: Each batch is stored in carefully controlled, temperature-stable environments for up to 18 months, which naturally allows the MGO levels to rise while preserving the honey’s natural structure. 

• Handcrafted in Small Batches: This allows us to monitor quality at every stage and ensure consistency across each jar. 

We don’t take shortcuts. We take pride. 

All-Australian, Wild & Powerful 

Unlike many brands relying on imports or blended sources, Gather By honey is 100% Australian. We harvest from wild stands and our signature Medicinal Honey Forests along the east coast, especially the pristine Northern Rivers region of NSW. 

Our Manuka honey comes from Australian-native Leptospermum species, some of which were identified through years of research—including studies by Professor Peter Brooks—which found Australian varieties delivered higher levels of polyphenols and phenolic compounds than their New Zealand counterparts. These compounds contribute to the honey’s exceptional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. 

Award-Winning Quality 

We don’t just say it—we prove it. Gather By’s raw Manuka honey has been recognised with awards for taste, quality, innovation, and sustainability: 

• London International Honey Awards 2024 – Gold Medal 

• Great Taste Award 2023 2024 – Gold Star 

• Quality Food Award 2023 – Gold Medal 

Each of these accolades reflects our ongoing commitment to producing pure, potent, and planet-friendly honey. 

Why Raw Manuka from Gather By is Worth It 

In a market flooded with heat-treated, imported, or overly processed honey, choosing raw Manuka honey from Gather By is a decision you can feel good about: 

• You're supporting a closed-loop agribusiness 

• You're getting honey with higher levels of beneficial compounds 

• You're contributing to the planting of more Manuka trees and thriving ecosystems 

It’s better for you, better for the bees, and better for the planet. 

So next time you reach for a jar, go raw. Taste the difference. Feel the benefits. And know you’re part of something good. 

Available online at gatherbymanuka.com and select retail stores 

Written by the Gather By Team - based in the Northern Rivers of NSW. Every word reflects our lived experience and commitment to bringing pure, potent Manuka honey to the world.