Anzer Honey vs Manuka Honey: The Key Differences

Not all types of honey are not created equal, and this is apparent when it comes to Anzer honey vs Manuka Honey.

While the main difference between the two is in location and production, there are also many more to explore.

We’ll take a look at both types of honey, and which might be the best for your needs. 

What Determines the Type of Honey?

The type of honey is determined by the plants the bees gather nectar from. Different types of honey have different chemical compositions and benefits. The color and taste also vary based on the type of honey. 

Because honey is determined by the plants the bees feed on, some honey can only come from certain regions.

This is the case with both Anzer and Manuka honey. These types come from particular plants native to the regions the honey is produced. 

What is Anzer Honey?

Anzer honey is produced in the Anzer region of Turkey. It’s also known as the Ballıköy Plateau. It’s located near the İkizdere district of Rize, which is a city in the Black Sea region. 

The Anzer region has over 500 flowering plants that are common around the world. However, what makes this region, and honey, special is the 80 endemic plants. These plants are not found anywhere else in the world. 

The Anzer region is very rural, which adds to the purity of the honey. It’s 2100-3000 miles above sea level. It rains nearly all year, with rare sunny days. 

One of the aspects that makes Anzer honey so valuable is its limited production. Rarely, there will be little to no honey produced in Anzer, based on weather patterns and other factors.

In 2016, there was a production of 1,000 kg of honey harvested from 3,000 hives. The price is about $300 per kg when purchased from the source. Pollen is more expensive, costing $350 per kg. 

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is made in New Zealand and Australia. It’s made from the native leptospermum scoparium bush. Leptospermum scoparium bush is also known as Manuka tree, Broom tree, or Tea tree. 

The bush is renowned in Australia and New Zealand for its healing and health properties. It’s believed to aid in sleep, treat scalds and skin wounds, and joint and muscle pain. 

Given these potential benefits, it’s no surprise Manuka honey is highly sought after. 

There’s some debate over whether the honey produced in Australia is actually Manuka honey. In Australia, bees get nectar and pollen from several closely related native leptospermum species of trees. In New Zealand, their only source is leptospermum scoparium bush. 

Australians say there’s no difference, and that both have the same chemical compounds that set Manuka honey apart from other types. 

What are the Benefits of Anzer Honey?

The Turks claim Anzer honey has a wide range of benefits. These include relieving stomach pain, wound healing, and treating tonsil infections. It’s also said to treat cancer, and cure or improve paralysis and brain diseases. 

These are a few of the myriad claims made about Anzer honey, but what does science say? Is it really a miracle cure? 

Science has backed up at least a few of these claims. A 2009 study found that it could prevent or reverse liver damage in rats. 

Another study conducted with rats found that it protected the stomach when ethanol alcohol was ingested. 

There have been no human studies on Anzer honey specifically, so it’s impossible to know if the claims made by the Turkish people are valid. 

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Traditionally, Manuka honey has been used for wound healing, preventing tooth decay, improving digestion, and relieving sore throat. 

Unlike Anzer honey, there have been several studies on Manuka honey. Manuka honey is more popular, which is most likely why it has been better studied. 

More popular doesn’t necessarily mean better, however. Its lower price and greater availability are probably what makes it more popular. 

Manuka honey has actually been approved by the FDA as a treatment for wounds. This is a specialized version of manuka that goes through a sterilization process. Still, it has the same basic components as the manuka you would purchase from the store. 

Studies have shown that when applied to wounds, it speeds healing, reduces infection risk, and relieves pain. 

It’s thought that the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey is Methylglyoxal. It’s also known to have anti-inflammatory effects, which might explain its pain-relieving and healing properties. 

It’s also been scientifically proven to support oral health. It is effective against the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. It also removes plaque, which contributes to oral health. 

It can even provide relief for cancer patients. One study followed patients who were receiving chemotherapy for head and neck cancers. They found Manuka honey was effective at killing the bacteria that commonly cause sore throats. It also coats the throat, which can provide relief from discomfort. 

Manuka honey is also known to relieve digestive issues. Its anti-inflammatory and coating effects can provide relief from symptoms of stomach upset and IBS. It’s been shown to kill the bacteria that is responsible for ulcerative colitis and gastric ulcer. 

It has shown promise in treating the respiratory symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis due to its antibacterial properties as well. 

Anzer Honey vs Manuka Honey Health Benefits

Both Anzer and Manuka honey have some proven health benefits. Manuka offers many more proven benefits, but Anzer honey has not been studied to the same extent that Manuka honey has. 

Both types of honey have high antioxidant levels. Honey with high levels of antioxidants have been proven to raise antioxidant levels in the blood.

These act as a clean up crew for the body. They remove free radicals, which can transform healthy cells into diseased cells or reduce their function. 

Antioxidants can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and premature ageing. Recent research suggests it may also be effective in preventing or treating anxiety and depression. 

If you are seeking honey specifically for antibacterial or anti-inflammatory effects, Manuka honey may be a better choice. Research has shown that it is effective against a wide range of bacteria, diseases, and inflammatory conditions. 

However, if you are particularly concerned about liver health, Anzer honey is a good choice. 

Both are good sources of vitamin C. There are claims that Anzer honey has a higher vitamin C content than Manuka, but there’s no nutritional analysis to back this claim available. 

Taste 

Anzer honey has an intense pleasant taste and smell, according to Turkish producers. Manuka honey is slightly bitter, unlike Anzer honey. It’s also less sweet. 

If you are purchasing honey for its health benefits, taste might not be a big factor. However, you may prefer the taste of Anzer honey to that of Manuka honey. 

Cost 

If you are on a budget, you should opt for Manuka honey. Anzer honey isn’t the most expensive honey on the market, but it’s certainly on the high end of the price range. Manuka honey is more expensive than regular clover honey, but it is well worth it for the benefits it provides. 

A 250-gram jar of Manuka honey will cost around $30. It’s expensive when compared to the processed honey that typically lines grocery store shelves, but it’s much more economical than Anzer honey. 

Final Thoughts on Anzer Honey vs Manuka Honey 

Both Manuka and Anzer honey have some proven health benefits. Manuka honey provides many more proven benefits. It’s impossible to know if the health benefits of Manuka honey outweigh Anzer, because Anzer hasn’t been researched extensively. 

However, the research performed on Manuka honey makes it a better choice if you are seeking health benefits because you can be certain it provides the benefits it claims. There’s just not enough known about Anzer honey at this time. 

If cost is an issue, you’ll want to opt for Manuka honey, because it’s much less expensive than Anzer honey. 

If you are adventurous and have a sizable budget, trying Anzer honey can be a great experience. However, if you are on a budget or prefer proven benefits, Manuka honey wins the contest hands down.