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Looking for fun holiday ideas?

Let’s play with salt!

There are so many things you can do with this seasoning. From arts and crafts to beauty scrubs and plain and simple cooking.

In this blog, we will feature flavored salt recipes perfect for a gift or for cooking.

SPICY MIDDLE EASTERN NEW ZEALAND SEA SALT

Every year I make a turkey for friends and family. I used middle eastern spices and add them to my salt. I always prepare the rub in advance and store in my pantry.

Ingredients:

• 4 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp cumin powder
• 2 cups New Zealand Biogrow Flaky Sea Salt
• 3 tbsp ground sumac
• 1 tbsp dried garlic
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp dried chili flakes (if you want a little spice)

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in a cool place. Or put in a nice decorative Mason jar and offer as a gift.

LEMON ZEST NEW ZEALAND SEA SALT

Lemon zest salt is an ideal as a topping to your favorite snacks or in your favorite dishes. I use it on poultry, fish or vegetables before grilling. I add a little sprinkle for that yummy lemony flavor.

• 3 lemons, limes or Meyer lemons (depending on the flavor you like)
• 1 cup of

Grate three lemons to get the zest and place into a shallow oven dish. Add the salt. Squeeze juice of one lemon into the salt. Mix all ingredients together making sure you break up the salt as much as possible. Place the lemon salt into a preheated oven (200º F) until the salt dries out. Approx. 20 mins. Cool and use a fork to break up salt. Store in an airtight container.

These recipes are easy to make in a few minutes and they can make excellent gifts or stocking stuffers.

Here is another one that I haven’t tried yet. It sounds delicious for the holidays. Check out Perfect Roasted Garlic Salt by Salt and Lavender. Happy cooking!

We’ve heard that manuka honey has fantastic properties and is a bonafide alternative treatment for human patients in clinics throughout the world. But did you know that veterinarians are also using manuka honey? Studies have come to the conclusion that not only are the antibacterial properties of manuka honey good for us but it’s also a great alternative treatment for our pets when other options may be toxic to them. In a study done by Tramuta et al they found that the gram negative bacteria, (staphylococcus pseudointermedius, escherichia coli, proteus mirabilis, and pseudomonas aeruginosa) found in infections, in open wounds, on animals can be treated with honey. Your vet now has access to solid surgical devices composed of manuka honey and pectin to treat wound infections and for use as natural therapeutic instruments in veterinary medicine (e.g., in abdominal surgery).

In one study, the antimicrobial properties of honey against MDR bacteria were clearly demonstrated, suggesting that membranes are effective in promoting the wound healing process, and as such, can be used in various fields of veterinary medicine and surgery. In addition, they may be particularly useful for treating wounds that are unresponsive to conventional antibiotics and antiseptics. Solid membranes are preferred and are the most successful clinical tool because they can be applied in high-risk areas to provide a physical barrier in the immediate post-operative period for pets. (2) In a case study carried out at Ontario Veterinary College a 8 month beagle that suffered 3^rd degree burns to 20% of its body was treated with gauze embedded with manuka honey.

Within 24 hours the wound not only lost its odor but the tissue was dramatically improved. After 48 hours a clean healthy granulation bed of new tissue had formed and after 72 hours a healthy bed of granulations was formed and all of the infected tissue was eliminated. Interestingly as well they found that the areas treated with honey had normal hair growth where as the areas that were surgically debrided showed no regrowth of hair.(3)

But don’t forget that it is also important to consider that some honeys may be contaminated with bacteria and fungi, and therefore non-gamma-irradiated honeys may not be suitable for application on damaged skin. The production of medical-grade honeys, suitable for use in clinical practice, from local honeys should be use for treatment of open wounds to prevent infection. (4) If your wondering how manuka honey manages such feats let me tell you. The antimicrobial properties of manuka honey has been attributed to its multiple components, including high sugar concentration, low pH, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), methylglyoxal (MGO), antimicrobial peptide bee defensin-1, and other compounds such as polyphenols. The high sugar concentration and low moisture content of honey also causes osmotic stress to microbial cells, and low pH is unfavorable for the growth of many microorganisms. Honey bees also add an enzyme, called glucose oxidase, to the collected nectar during the honey-making process, which converts the glucose in the honey into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and gluconic acid. H2O2 is toxic to many microbes. So there you have it, honey all by itself is a great alternative to much more expensive treatments for infections for both us and in our smaller furry family members.

SOURCES

(1)Oryan, A., & Zaker, S. R. (1998). Effects of topical application of honey on cutaneous wound healing in rabbits. Zentralblatt Fur Veterinarmedizin. Reihe A, 45(3), 181-188.

(2)Tramuta, C., Nebbia, P., Robino, P., Giusto, G., Gandini, M., Chiadò-Cutin, S., & Grego, E. (2017). Antibacterial activities of Manuka and Honeydew honey-based membranes against bacteria that cause wound infections in animals. Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde, 159(2), 117-121.

(3) Mathews, K., Binnington, A. (2002). Wound Management using Honey. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practising Veterinarian – North American Edition, 24(1), 53-60

 (4)McLoone, P., Warnock, M., Fyfe, L., (2016). Honey a realistic antimicrobial for disorders of the skin. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection. (24), 161-167.

PRI carries a wide range of genuine Manuka Honey from New Zealand.

Everyone is celebrating #NationalTacoDay! Let’s join the party with this delicious Vegetarian taco recipe! Both spicy, creamy and overflowing with vegetables.

Shopping List

Chipotle BBQ Pacific Sea Salt

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained, patted dry and crumbled
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder
• Chipotle BBQ Pacific Sea Salt to taste
• 1 10-ounce package frozen corn (2 cups), thawed
• 1 green pepper sliced lengthwise
• 8 small flour tortillas, warmed
• ¾ cup crumbled fresh goat cheese (3 ounces)
• ¾ cup refrigerated salsa

Preparation:

1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the green pepper and ¼ teaspoon each Chipotle BBQ Pacific Seal Salt.
3. Add the tofu, chili powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Add the corn. Cook, tossing until heated through, about 2 minutes.
5. Fill the tortillas with the tofu mixture, goat cheese, and salsa.

Manuka Oil has long been recognised and well-known for its Medicinal purposes like antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Many are most familiar with manuka oil's cousin, tea tree oil. Manuka oil has actually been shown to be up to 33x stronger against most bacteria than tea tree oil!  Long before there were honey bees in NZ to make manuka honey, the Maori peoples were using manuka oil, bark and leaves to treat a variety of issues from skin conditions to oral care. Our Manuka Oil—drawn from the leaf of the Manuka tree through a steam distillation process that keeps everything natural—using low temperature with no added chemicals, is packed with active compounds. Below are five amazing benefits of Manuka Oil:

• Natural Antiseptic - For centuries, Manuka Oil has been used to prevent disease-causing microorganisms. It is effective to inhibit the growth of microbes to reduce the possibility of infection.
• Cicatrisant - This means wound healing, when Manuka Oil is applied to the affected areas it promotes the growth of new cells and encourages the skin to form scar tissues and also can help fading scars.
• Skin, Hair & Nails - The soothing and hydration benefits of Manuka Oil can improve your skin’s appearance, reduce wrinkles and can help treat irritations, blemishes and acne. Massaging your scalp can help in increasing blood circulation which moisturizes, nourishes, promotes hair growth and strengthens the hair roots. You can apply a few drops to your nails and between your toes, the antifungal properties may be an effective treatment for nail fungus. 
• Relaxation - The aromatic substance of Manuka Oil helps relieve stress, boost your energy levels, helps provide enough restful sleep and it leaves a soothing effect on your body and mind. 
• Deodorant - Manuka Oil is an effective natural deodorant because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties which makes you feel clean and fresh! You can also add a few drops to your body wash.
• For Cleaning - Manuka Oil acts as a natural disinfectant, just add a few drops into your spray bottle together with water or your favorite cleaning solution.

Resources: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694078/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3677636/

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/13/11/343/htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7414039/

https://pharmacy.mahidol.ac.th/journal/_files/2017-44-4_4.pdf

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.783832/full

You can almost hear the sound of sleigh bells ringing, right? Christmas time is full of surprises! And who exactly makes that happen? Moms. Not Santa! Your ever-supportive mom literally deserves it all. Whether your idea of the best presents are thoughtful and practical items she’ll fa-la-la-love and use all the time, or fun treats, we have you covered!

Don’t worry! Instead of getting the usual, there’s at least one thing here you’ll love to wrap up for your mom. The smallest and simplest gift can be a thoughtful way to show your love and appreciation during the holidays, you'll be sure to bring a smile to her face—and yours too! Indeed, the perfect gift does exist. 🎄

Is your manuka honey real? 

Why manuka bottled “at the source” can help ensure purity & potency.

Trying to find the right brand & strength of manuka honey for your needs can be really, really confusing. There is so much conflicting and, frankly, outright incorrect information out there it’s easy to become discouraged! 

Over the years, we’ve provided various guides as to what the numbers on the bottles mean, MGO vs UMF, and more but there is one key topic we’ve discovered that just isn’t talked about much - where your manuka honey is actually bottled!

The short(ish) answer is that New Zealand has strict regulations for manuka honey and acknowledges that it has unique, testable compounds (read: MGO) which give it medicinal benefits. The FDA, on the other hand, states that no honey (or food in general) can have health benefits and doesn’t recognize MGO as a medicinal compound.  This is despite the fact that there are hundreds of studies that have been done showcasing the amazing benefits of manuka honey and it’s even medically approved for use for burn and wound treatment & more.

It’s quite frustrating both for your clarity as a customer and for us, as a small family business trying to spread the word about the magic of manuka honey!

How does this impact the importance of where the manuka honey is bottled? New Zealand MPI, the agency responsible for food safety, quality &  import/export regulations, requires each batch of honey to be independently tested and checks those results against the label showing the honey’s strength and if it is multi-floral aka a blend. These regulations apply to honey leaving NZ both in individual jars and in bulk. However, once the bulk honey leaves NZ it is no longer under the MPI’s purview, meaning it can be mixed with other kinds of honey, sweeteners, etc., and labeled as any strength or type.

Even before manuka honey became well-known as a powerful superfood & topical agent NZ has had strict rules for food export. Once manuka honey became well-known and given its higher price point and scarcity, these regulations became even more specific as fake manuka honey began to flood the market. While there are some downsides to bottling in NZ such as higher packaging prices and lack of many packaging options, we feel that it is an important way for you as a customer, and for our own peace of mind, to ensure that our honey is of the highest quality and is exactly what it says it is.

To further ensure as few middlemen are in the process as possible PRI works with family-owned beekeepers who have their own on-site extraction, creaming & bottling equipment. As the original importer of manuka to the U.S. market over 30 years ago, we’ve even worked with more than one generation of beekeepers because they are simply the best!

You may ask how this applies to our line of Australian Manuka Honey. Currently, Australia does not have any regulations on manuka however, we apply the same testing and labeling methods as on our NZ manuka. Due to the lack of regulations & the size of the country (re: more production), Australian manuka does come in at a lower price point but, as with any manuka, you as a buyer should be diligent about ensuring the manuka honey you are purchasing is authentic.  

At PRI, we are proud to offer test results for ALL of our manuka honey upon request. Simply send your batch number to orders@pri-nz.com

There are many reasons to love this beautiful country. At Pacific Resources International we have developed our mission around these four important components.

Turn your favorite green smoothie spooky this Halloween! The kids will love how fun these monster mugs are, and you’ll love incorporating some healthy stuff into their Halloween treat routine. It is all about balance, right?

Just take your go-to green smoothie, or try our favorite recipe full of antioxidants, protein, vitamins, minerals, and, of course, the incredible antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits of Manuka Honey. 

Then use crushed cookies, googly eyes, and PB cups to create your very own monster!

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 1 Cup Spinach
• 2 Frozen Bananas
• 2 Scoops Of Vanilla Protein Powder (Optional)
• 1 Tbsp PRI Manuka Honey 150+ (Or More For Desired Sweetness)
• 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
• 1 Tsp Matcha Powder
• 4-5 Chocolate Creme Sandwich Cookies (Crushed)
• Googly Eyes
• Optional Toppings: Peanut Butter Cups

Instructions:

• Crush cookies in a zip-loc bag or food processor until you have cookie crumbs, then set aside. 
• In a high-speed blender, blend one cup of spinach with one cup of almond milk until the spinach gets broken down as much as possible and you have a green liquid. 
• Then add frozen bananas, vanilla protein powder, manuka honey, peanut butter, and matcha powder. 
• Blend until smooth and then transfer to a jar. There should be no spinach bits in the smoothie. 
• Pour the smoothie into a glass and then top with cookie crumbles. 
• Then add the googly eyes to the top or “glue” them to the side of the glass with melted chocolate. 
• You can add peanut butter cups for the ears or place them on top for a Shrek-like monster!

Ranking the 16th most searched question about Manuka honey, in this blog post, we answer the question: “How to use Manuka honey for IBS?”.

First, let’s talk about what IBS is. Short for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS is a disorder of the large intestine & affects nearly a quarter of Americans, causing symptoms ranging from bloating & abdominal pain to loose stools & undesired weight loss.

IBS can have many triggers, including: 

• Stress
• Food allergies
• Hormone imbalance
• Leaky gut
• Parasites
• Yeast overgrowth
• Antibiotics
• SIBO
• Poor thyroid function
• Poor hydration.  

Conventional medicine would say it is irreversible, but clinics specializing in treating the root causes of IBS have successfully reversed many cases. Those with IBS must manage their symptoms through various diet and lifestyle changes, so how can Manuka honey help?

Among many other things, Manuka honey can:

-Reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

-Act as a prebiotic by stimulating the growth of good bacteria.

-Actively fight against disease-causing bacteria in the gut. 

All honey does contain fructose, which can be an IBS trigger for some. It's essential to ingest the honey raw as the raw enzymes make the sugars easier to digest. 

You can take up to 1-2 tablespoons per day but space it out and take a little before each meal so you can harness its prebiotic effects. If your IBS is severe and you find you tolerate the honey well,  try a high MGO Manuka such as a 500+ or even 1000+ MGO. These strengths are typically for external uses; however, certain severe internal conditions can also benefit.

When was the last time you enjoyed the classic combination of dark chocolate & orange? For us, it was always in the form of an orange-shaped chocolate in our Christmas stockings. 

We developed our new orange Manuka Chocolate Patties to enjoy the feeling of Christmas morning year-round, and now it’s taken over our breakfast table! 

Did you know that oatmeal is one of the best ways to start your day? Packed with nutrition and full of a soluble fiber called beta-glucan. This fiber helps control blood pressure & sugar levels, and insulin response and increases the growth of good gut bacteria.

Dark chocolate has been a popular superfood for many years, yet its benefits keep emerging. A recent study posted in the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that dark chocolate is more effective in treating colds than vitamin C. 

If you’ve been following along, you know that the active component of manuka honey, MGO, has a fantastic variety of antibacterial & anti-inflammatory health benefits.

That’s all a long way to say that this recipe is PACKED with everything you need to get your day started right!  Here’s what you need:

• 1 Cup rolled oats
• 1 Cup of milk of choice 
• 1/4 Cup water
• 1/4 Cup fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1 Tbsp orange zest
• 1.5 Tbsp cocoa powder or cacao
• 1 Tbsp PRI Manuka Honey (add more to taste)
• 1 Scoop chocolate protein (optional)
• 3 Orange Manuka Chocolate Patties
• 1 Mandarin orange
• Garnish: Sprig of fresh mint, pomegranate arils (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients into a bowl or saucepan except for the chocolate patties and mandarin oranges. Stir until well combined.
2. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it doesn’t stick to the sides. You can optionally cook in the microwave.
3. Once cooked, immediately transfer to a bowl and top with Orange Manuka Chocolate Patties. Let the patties melt from the hot oatmeal, and then stir to create chocolate swirls. Top with mandarin oranges, pomegranate arils, fresh mint, or whatever you prefer!

Answering your Most Searched Questions about Manuka Honey! 

In this edition, we celebrate World Breastfeeding Month and answer the question: Is honey safe to eat while breastfeeding? 

The short answer is: yes, you can eat as much honey as you wish. In fact, it is considered a galactagogue, (5) meaning a food (or herb) that aids in milk production.

Many ask this question since there is a concern about botulism in babies until 1 year old. At this age their digestive system lacks enough acidity in the stomach to kill botulism causing bacteria. Symptoms may begin as early as a few hours or 12-36 hours after consumption. Symptoms in infant botulism include constipation, blurred vision and muscle weakness.  (1) 

However, you cannot transmit botulism via your milk so you just need to ensure that any babies under the age of 1 don't have direct access, so it's best not to use it directly on your skin and to wash your hands after consuming.

There are actually many benefits to taking manuka honey while breastfeeding besides supporting milk production. Due to manuka's unique benefits like providing both a natural energy boost without the crash AND more restful sleep (4) depending on when you take it, supporting your immune system (3), and much more.

It can also be a great help if you have a sore throat, cold, or flu since many OTC medicines often contain ingredients that are contraindicated while breastfeeding. Additionally manuka honey has been found more effective against these symptoms than OTC medicines! (6) (7)

Resources:  

 (1)https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/botulism/fact_sheet.htm

(2)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7178798/

(3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8347116/

(4)https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04207281

(5)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9246572/

(6)https://ebm.bmj.com/content/26/2/57

(7)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/

There is nothing like a lengthy soak in a bath of warm water to melt the stress away, so make sure to set a date with your tub as often as possible. And to make it extra soothing, you can add Manuka Honey, Manuka Oil, and Sea Salt; all ingredients which will leave the skin feeling smoother, softer, and brighter. The combined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory & pH balancing benefits can help remove toxins, and dead skin cells, and cleanse your skin’s pores deeply keeping your skin moisturized and nourished. Here are some of our favorite recipes to take your bath from average to “oh my goodness, I feel so much better!”

Need a mental and physical refresh? Whip up this recipe for Calendula and Mint infused herbal bath salts, which will calm your mind and soothe your body. These bath salts feature our Bio-Gro Certified Sea Salt, full of trace minerals to infuse your bath with relaxation. These bath salts were created by our friend Colleen. Click here for the recipe - https://www.growforagecookferment.com/herbal-bath-salt/

When you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, but you know you need a dip in the tub, you can spruce up your bath with just two ingredients that are nutrient-dense, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory (as well as being known relaxants,) that will help you de-stress and feel better. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Pacific Sea Salt
• 3-5 drops of Manuka Oil
• Stir the salt into a hot bath to dissolve, and then let the water cool to your preferred soaking temperature. Add in the drops and soak to your heart’s content.

When you are feeling spent, it might be time to spend some time in a luxury bath full of delicious ingredients that will leave you feeling silky-smooth and ready for anything that comes your way!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/3 cup PRI Manuka Honey
• 1/2 cup unscented body soap
• 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
• Optional: a few drops of a favorite essential oil (though the honey smell is divine as is!) In a mixing bowl, combine all of the above ingredients until smooth. Use right away or keep stored in a lidded container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. To use: pour 1/4 cup-1/2 cup under running water. Enjoy!

And if you need a quick option - simply scoop a couple of tablespoons of our Manuka honey directly under the warm running water as you fill the tub. Then soak the day away, while you relax and allow your skin to enjoy the healing power of the honey.