What is Waka Kava?
Why is Waka Kava synonymous with Fiji?
The question – “What is Waka Kava?” has an interesting historical response to it. Waka Kava is synonymous with Fiji because it was the first kava to be exported from Fiji and brought to the US. It’s grown in the South Pacific islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, and its roots are strong, so it’s perfect for export.
Waka Kava as a brand became well known since the early 2000s, when it was first exported to the United States by a small company called Waka Kava.
The company’s founder, Patrick Lum, chose to call his product Waka Kava because he felt that the name would help people remember it. He also wanted to create a product that would be associated with Fiji, so he decided to use kava from the island.
Waka Kava – not just the brand, but the root type – is now one of the most popular kava drinks in America because of its high quality and affordable price.
How is Waka Kava different from other kavas?
Waka Kava Roots are the lateral roots that grow out of the Rhizome root structure of a kava plant.
Waka Kava root is different from other kava roots in that it contains higher concentrations of kavalactones than other kava varieties. Kavalactones are the compounds that give kava its sedative properties, and they are what makes kava so popular as a natural alternative to prescription sleep medications.
In Waka Kava root, these kavalactones are present in higher concentrations than in most other varieties of kava. This means that if you’re looking for a more potent product, Waka Kava might be what you need!
What does Waka Kava taste like?
Waka Kava root, like other kava roots, has a strong bitter taste.
However Waka Kava roots taste even stronger and are more bitter that normal kava roots. If you’ve ever eaten black pepper or even green peppers, you’ll probably recognize the flavor as similar to that. The taste is not as strong as black pepper and will not linger in your mouth long after you’ve swallowed it.
Whilst Waka Kava doesn’t sound pleasing to drink, most kava varieties aren’t. The magic with Waka Kava comes in how it makes you feel….
How does Waka Kava make you feel?
Compared to other types of kava, Waka Kava has a higher concentration of kavalactones and lower concentrations of tannins. The high concentration of kavalactones gives Waka Kava a more potent effect on your body than other varieties. In fact true Waka Kava is considered the king of “Heavy” kava types that relax your body.
Rugby League and NFL players have been using kava and waka kava in particularly to recover from injuries for years. The reason kava works so well for rugby and NFL players is because of the high levels of the active ingredient called kavalactone. This compound has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling in an injured area of the body by inhibiting prostaglandin production—an important chemical involved in inflammation response.
How to Prepare Waka kava
Preparing Waka kava is an important part of the kava experience.
The traditional method we discuss here is as close to the real process used by the Pacific Islanders (including Hawaii) as possible. However, there is one difference. Some kava preparation traditions include chewing up the roots and spitting it out again to make the tea. As you can imagine, your friends or family who will be drinking your tea, might prefer to use our pre-powdered kava root instead. We promise, the results are the same as chewing and it is a far more sanitary way of preparing your brew.
The first step to making your traditional kava tea is, of course, getting the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
First, you’ll need a strainer bag (muslin bag) to strain the waka kava root powder into a bowl. The finer your waka kava powder, the more effective this step will be.
Next, you’ll want to measure out some high-grade ground waka kava root. The amount of waka kava you use will vary depending on how strong and how many people are drinking it; but we recommend starting with about one ounce per person at first.
Once you’ve got all that set up, it’s time for the fun part: mixing! Get yourself a medium-to-large bowl and add about four ounces of warm water per ounce of kava root powder (so if you’re using 1 ounce of powder, that would be 4 ounces total). Mix until the consistency is smooth enough to drink through a straw without clogging up; then pour into small cups and serve!
We found this video very informative on how to prepare waka kava:
Where can I buy Waka Kava in Australia?
Australia Kava Shop is the best place to buy Waka Kava in Australia.
Their Waka Premium Range includes :
✔️ Fine Grade Nano Waka Kava Powder
✔️ Traditional 1.3mm gradient Waka Kava Powder
Australia Kava Shop have over fifteen years of experience in the kava industry, including working with Fiji Waka. They Know their Roots!
Where can I buy Waka Kava in the USA?
The best supplier of waka kava in the USA is Kalm with Kava. They have been in business since 2016 and have a great reputation for their high-quality products. They are based out of Austin, Texas and they sell their products to customers all over the world
Kalm with Kava specializes in selling kava products that are grown on their own farms. Their mission is to provide consumers with the highest quality product for an affordable price. They want to make sure that everyone has access to these amazing health benefits.
Where can I buy Waka Kava in New Zealand?
New Zealand Kava Society have been making kava in New Zealand since 2011, when one of their founding members fell in love with the plant while doing his doctoral research on the islands of the South Pacific. After several months of experimenting with locally available varieties and preparation methods, he introduced the plant to a couple of his friends and colleagues at the University of Auckland as an attractive alternative to alcohol and a pleasant after-work beverage.
New Zealand Kava Society’s Waka Root product actually comes from Vanuatu, but is 100% lateral roots and is reported to be as good if not better than Fiji Waka Root!
