kava | kava juice | kava plant

  Noble Kava: The Pacific's Traditional Treasure Have you ever wondered what makes some kava "noble" while other varieties are just, well, regular old kava? I sure did when I first started exploring the fascinating world of this Pacific Island beverage! After years of research and even a few embarrassing mishaps (more on that later), I've come to appreciate the rich cultural significance and unique properties of noble kava. What Exactly IS Noble Kava? Let me tell ya, noble kava isn't just any old root you can dig up and brew. It's actually a specific classification within the Piper methysticum family that Pacific Islanders have carefully selected and cultivated for centuries. I remember my first time visiting a traditional kava ceremony in Fiji - I had no idea that what I was drinking was the result of generations of careful plant selection! Noble kava refers to specific cultivars that have been traditionally chosen for regular consumption because they p...

  The story of kava begins with ancient chiefs who discovered its calming properties. Imagine being part of a community where every sip of kava connects you to your ancestors and your land. I remember my first encounter with kava; I was nervous and unsure what to expect. But as I learned more about its history, I realized it’s a sacred drink that has been passed down through generations. Kava is deeply embedded in the social fabric of Vanuatu. It’s used in ceremonies that mark significant life events—weddings, funerals, and even casual gatherings. The preparation and consumption of kava are rituals filled with respect and reverence. When I attended my first kava ceremony, I was struck by how everyone came together, sharing stories and laughter while sipping from coconut shell cups. It felt like stepping into a world where time slowed down, allowing for genuine connections. image with a wooden bowl filled with freshly prepared kava juice The Myth of Kava's Origin on Pentecost Island...

Incase you have not seen what a kava plant looks like I have attached this image.You will notice there are different ways of planting kava in this part of the world. Here kava is being planted amoung other cash crop plants such as taro . Kava plants  normally grow from a period ranging from 3 - 5 years before ready for harvest.  It has been observed by kava growers and kava exporters that the best period to harvest kava is after 3 years but no later than 5 years , the kava will grow very big and look healthy but the quality of the liquid kava will diminish as it grows older than this period.   In Vanuatu there are many species of kava and I cannot estimate the exact number of kava species. The kava species here most are for drinking and the rest people consider them to be for decorative purposes which means it is not for drinking. The plant can grow up to 2 meters long and sometimes it is being trimmed. Normal heig...

Kava: A Way of Life in Vanuatu Kava has been a popular crop in the Pacific Islands for over a century. It's not just a plant—it's a cultural icon. Kava is deeply woven into the traditions and daily lives of the people here. Whether grown for subsistence or commercial purposes, kava holds a special place in the hearts of local communities. In Vanuatu, villagers cultivate kava on their islands and sell the harvested roots to buyers in towns like Port Vila and Luganville. These buyers then distribute the kava to local bars, where it sells for around $5 USD per kilogram. But kava is so much more than just a crop—it's a way of life. Let me explain why. Why Do We Drink Kava? Kava isn’t just a drink; it’s a bridge to peace, relaxation, and connection. In Vanuatu, we drink kava during traditional ceremonies, especially for conflict resolution. Imagine this: two people have a dispute, and the chief calls for a meeting at the nakamal (tr...