Leptosperin is a chemical marker that is only found in mānuka honey. It is difficult to synthesise, therefore it can be used as an authenticity marker to provide confidence that the mānuka is not adulterated.
Leptosperin is a chemical marker that is only found in mānuka honey. It is difficult to synthesise, therefore it can be used as an authenticity marker to provide confidence that the mānuka is not adulterated.
Leptosperin is the first of potentially many mānuka-specific chemical markers used to verify the authenticity and proper labeling of mānuka honey.
This naturally occurring compound is found exclusively in the nectar of mānuka plants and a few closely related species. Discovered and patented by Japanese researcher Kato in 2014, its presence in mānuka nectar was later confirmed by the UMFHA at the Apiculture Industry Conference in Whanganui, New Zealand.
Leptosperin levels remain stable over time, making it a reliable indicator for determining whether honey is derived from mānuka nectar. This helps in accurately labeling honey as mānuka, a mānuka blend, or multi-floral. Additionally, measuring Leptosperin concentrations can detect potential adulteration, ensuring the integrity of mānuka honey.
Results will for routine testing are available the next working day and the same working day for urgent testing from receipt of sample.
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