Our Single Cultivar Range
Our About Kava section provides some basic information applicable to all kava. However, one of the most beautiful things about kava is the richness and diversity of drinkable cultivars. Each cultivar has its own unique chemistry, properties, tasting profile and aroma. Different occasions call for the use of different cultivars. Likewise, different people have their own personal favourite cultivars. So, to properly experience, understand and appreciate kava, one should try at least a couple of different cultivars and gain some basic understanding of the key cultivars and their unique features.
The Case for Single Cultivars
Traditionally growers and drinkers paid attention to the cultivar they cultivated or consumed. This remains the case in Vanuatu where drinkers are familiar with the most popular varieties, and many have their personal preferences or know which cultivar is best suitable for what kind of occasion.
Elsewhere in the Pacific, the existence of a much smaller range of cultivars (with most or all cultivars being suitable for daily consumption), the switch from drinking fresh/green kava to drinking kava made from dry powder (usually made up from a blend of cultivars) and the practice of diluting dry kava with large amounts of water have all resulted in the lessening of the appreciation for unique cultivar characteristics. Similarly, until recently kava drinkers outside of the South Pacific were often not aware of the differences between cultivars, nor able to source single cultivar products due to logistical and technical difficulties in guaranteeing cultivar purity.
Pictured above: A local kava expert examining plants on the island of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Our Single Cultivar Range
Our range of single cultivar products is a result of several years of fruitful collaboration between us and Root and Pestle, a family owned business in Vanuatu specialising in exceptionally high quality kava processing.
We've been joined by our shared passion for high quality kava and the desire to go back to the traditional appreciation for the unique features of distinct desirable kava cultivars sourced from the regions most suitable for their cultivation.
We've combined our scientific knowledge, experience, passion, and understanding of what makes great kava with state of the art processing methods, excellent contacts across Vanuatu, commitment to quality, and ability to guarantee cultivar purity to create this exceptional range of single cultivar products.
Each single cultivar powder showcases the amazing features of a distinct variety, the region in which it is cultivated, the skills of their growers, as well as the remarkable processing methods and attention to detail employed by the Root and Pestle team.
Cultivar Descriptions
More detailed descriptions can be found on each cultivar's product page.
Organically Grown Noble Kava
100% pure noble kava from pristine volcanic soils. Our farmers cultivate specific single cultivars in regions best suited for each variety. Each plant matures for 3-5+ years using traditional organic farming methods passed down through generations.
Always Processed from Fresh
Each batch is exclusively made from kava harvested to order - never old village-dried stock. All plants undergo rigorous assessment: cultivar verification, freshness inspection, contamination screening, and rejection of any unhealthy or damaged roots.
Cleaned and dried to fresh perfection
Freshly harvested roots are meticulously cleaned and dried using proprietary methods. The process preserves maximum potency, fresh aroma, and bioactive compounds, while ensuring food safety. Each batch is immediately vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed, locking in peak freshness.
Every Batch Tested
Our kava undergoes comprehensive testing using UHPLC analysis (superior to standard HPLC), full microbiological screening, and chemotype verification in an advanced in-house laboratory. Every batch comes with complete certificates of analysis and exceeds FSANZ Standard 2.6.3 requirements.
Check out our Certificates of Analysis