28 Dec What is Kava?
WHAT IS KAVA?
First and foremost, Kava is a plant. In our case it is the name of the beverage made from the root of the plant Piper methysticum, a close relative of Piper nigrum or Black Pepper. The name Kava is given to this beverage by the people of Vanuatu, commonly believed to be the architects of this plant.
Vanuatu is a set of islands that Fijians might plan their family vacation to. These islands are about 750 miles west of Fiji, or about the distance between San Francisco and Tijuana. We source most of our kava from Vanuatu because the kava roots and tradition are older, and therefore the product is superior. Although the exact origin of the plant is as of yet unknown, it is believed to be an artificial selection of another member of the Piper genus, Piper wichmanii.
Kava root drying in Navala village, Viti Levu island, Fiji
Kava, has many names reflecting the many languages in the South Pacific. The Hawaiians referred to it as ‘awa, or ‘awa-‘awa. In Samoa it is referred to as ava, and yaqona in Fiji. Because it spread so slowly different islands have adopted kava for different reasons: ceremonial, recreational, spiritual, medicinal, political, and cultural. It’s also because of this slow spread that kava actually has a different name, depending on which island you’re on. In all of these cultures, however, the plant and beverage it was named for had the same reverence and respect: a root of peace and friendship.
Traditional Kava Ceremony in Fiji. The consumption of the drink is a form of welcome and figures in important socio-political events.
WHY DRINK KAVA?
Kava, has many names reflecting the many languages in the South Pacific. The Hawaiians referred to it as ‘awa, or ‘awa-‘awa. In Samoa it is referred to as ava, and yaqona in Fiji. Because it spread so slowly different islands have adopted kava for different reasons: ceremonial, recreational, spiritual, medicinal, political, and cultural. It’s also because of this slow spread that kava actually has a different name, depending on which island you’re on. In all of these cultures, however, the plant and beverage it was named for had the same reverence and respect: a root of peace and friendship.
KAVA WE SERVE
Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia. This powdered version of the root is used to create the kava beverage.
At MeloMelo, we elect to recreate this long lost art of community. We are but one tribe in a very big village. We are here to learn from tradition, and in turn, create our own. Whatever your reason to consume kava, whether it a be socially driven desire, to help reduce anxiety, for better sleep, to try a new experience, or even just as a more positive alternative to your day to day (or night by night) lifestyle–everyone is welcome at MeloMelo. We are proud to have partnered with and feature Kava certified “Noble” and meets all UN Codex requirements by True Kava. Be sure you always ask about your Kava, the varietal, root ratio, and testing!