If you have seen "APF 50+" or "APF 200+" on a jar of Bee Ulmo, you may have wondered what those numbers mean. Here is a clear, simple guide.
Where Ulmo honey comes from
Ulmo honey is made when bees forage on the nectar of the flowering Ulmo tree, native to the pristine forests of Chilean Patagonia. The Ulmo tree blooms in February and March, when few other flowers are around, so the bees in the region work almost exclusively with Ulmo nectar. The result is a monofloral honey with a naturally creamy texture and a distinctive, delicate flavor.
What APF® means
APF® is the scale we use to express the natural antibacterial strength of each batch of Ulmo honey. The higher the number, the higher the antibacterial activity measured in the lab.
Research by Dr. Gloria Montenegro Rizzardini, winner of the 1998 L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, identified the high antibacterial power of Ulmo honey. APF® gives that natural quality a number you can read on the label.
How each batch is tested
After extraction, an independent laboratory at the Catholic University of Chile tests every batch to confirm two things:
- That it is monofloral Ulmo honey.
- Its APF® level: 50+, 100+, 150+ or 200+.
Only then does a batch receive its APF® rating and its place in our collection.
Which APF® level is right for you?
| APF® level | Name | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 50+ | Everyday | A smooth, mild first step into raw Ulmo honey, for daily rituals |
| 100+ | Defense | A richer, creamier taste for everyday immune wellness |
| 150+ | Power | Active days, workouts and recovery |
| 200+ | Radiance | Our rarest level, by the spoon or on the skin |
Not sure where to start? The APF® Full Spectrum Collection brings all four levels together, so you can discover your favorite.
How to enjoy it
- Straight from the spoon, first thing in the morning.
- Stirred into warm (not hot) tea or milk.
- Blended into smoothies or drizzled over yogurt.
- APF 200+ can also be applied directly on the skin.
Honey should not be given to infants under 12 months.
Shop the APF® Collection
Explore all four levels in our APF® Collection, harvested in Chilean Patagonia and awarded Platinum for quality at the 2023 London and Paris honey competitions.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.