Kata Kata KAVA

KAVA IS NOT ALCOHOLIC NOR IS IT AN HALLUCINOGEN

Kava is a plant grown in the Pacific Islands.

Kava is known for its relaxing properties derived from the root of the plant called Kavalactones. The root is dried and then ground down into a powder. When mixed with room temperature water it gives a slightly pepperty taste and a little numbness on the tongue.

The relaxing properties of Kava provides an aid to help muscle soreness, general aches and pains, depression and anxiety. Overall Kava helps to make you happy. KATA KATA KAVA means "Very happy Kava".

Kava takes 5 years to fully mature and in that time it must be managed carefully. Cleaned regularly to remove undergrowth and weeds that may impact the roots and trimmed to propogate new plants.

Once Kava has reached maturity it is dug out of the ground roots and all. The roots provide the all important Kavalactone, giving us "That Kava feeling".

The roots are dried and ground into a fine powder for drinking.

The stalks provide the nodes for new planting and the cycle begins again.

Kava (Piper methysticum)

Piper is Latin for 'Pepper', and Methysticum is Greek for 'Intoxicating'
An intoxicating peppery drink.

The longer kava plants are allowed to mature the more developed are the kavalactones found in the root of the Kava plant.

Kavalactones are credited with creating the relaxation that Kava can provide.

At 5yrs old and 6ft tall the Kava Plant is at its prime readiness to harvest.

Fāmili is the most important thing in Tonga, not just the direct family but the full extended family. This extends to friends, friends of family, and whole villages.

Our family in the small village of Utui, Vava'u have grown, tended, harvested and manufactured our Kava powder by hand to ensure the best quality is delivered to Australia.

We hope you enjoy our Kava.

Measure out 1L of room temperature water into a bowl or jug

Put 2-3 heaped tablespoons of kava into a filter bag (knee high pantyhose works very well)

Put the filter bag with the kava into the water and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes

With your fingers gently knead the kava in the filter bag

Once the water is running quite clean through the filter remove it from the water

Transfer your prepared kava into a Kumete or serving bowl or ladle it straight into cups

Each time you are serving, stir the kava gently before ladling into cups

A great variation is to try coconut water for a sweeter taste