In honor of National Honey Month coming up in September, I accepted an offer to try New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey, Burn Pit BBQ Pogey Bait and Ranier Foods Smoky Honey Seasoning.

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New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey has a fascinating backstory. It is so rare that it can only be harvested for 2-8 weeks each year, and it is considered one of the rarest superfoods.

New Zealand Honey Co., a wellness company that follows the principle that nature is best left untouched, has a complete lineup of Manuka Honey that varies based on UMF (a grading system–the higher, the better) and MGO (measurement of methylglyoxal–the higher, the more potent).

I loved the honey, which can help improve digestion and support the respiratory system. The 10+ UMF/263+ MGO ($14.88 for 8 oz.) had the perfect amount of sweetness and the right thickness so that you can spread it on bread and mix it into, say, tea. I also liked the slight texture when you eat it. Each serving (1 Tbsp) has 70 calories, 16 g. carbs and 0 g. protein.

This version was the second lowest in terms UMF/MGO. I would love to try the one with the highest (26+ UMF/1,282+ MGO), which costs $99.88 for an 8 oz. jar, for a comparison.

You can purchase New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey on its website and on Amazon.com.

Photo courtesy of New Zealand Honey Co.

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Burn Pit BBQ Pogey Bait

Burn Pit BBQ is a veteran-owned company based in Milwaukee that makes sauces, rubs and seasonings. It donates to non-profits that support veterans.

I tried Pogey Bait ($9.99 for 12 oz.), a sweet honey BBQ sauce. According to Burn Pit BBQ, “Pogey bait” refers to sweets or candy and was used in the military as early as 1918. The sauce was thinner and tangier than most honey BBQ sauces, and I liked it for its unique taste. Pogey Bait makes for a wonderful marinade for grilling chicken and ribs.

Burn Pit BBQ also makes a bold BBQ sauce called QRF (quick reaction force) and a hot & spicy sauce called Sticky Fire (napalm).

Make sure to check out the company’s robust blog, which is how Burn Pit BBQ got its start.

In Madison, you can purchase Burn Pit BBQ products at UW Provisions.

Photo courtesy of Burn Pit BBQ

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Rainier Foods Smoky Honey Seasoning

Mt. Rainier in the Pacific Northwest is the home of Rainier Foods, which gives a portion of its sales to the Washington National Park Fund.

The company has a large lineup of seasonings that range from ghost pepper smoky honey ($7.99 for 6.25 oz.) to coffee blend ($7.99 for 5.5. oz.). The diverse variety gives you an opportunity to enhance your vegetables, meats, seafood and snacks.

The smoky honey seasoning ($7.99 for 6.25 oz.) is made from clover blossom honey, cherrywood smoked sea salt and smoked paprika that provide an excellent sweet and spiced flavor. It goes especially well on blander foods like a grilled chicken breast or a cod fillet.

You can purchase Rainier Foods products on its website.

Photo courtesy of Rainier Foods