While all kava comes from the same plant, where the plant is grown plays a large part in its effects. These are known as kava cultivars, sometimes also called cultivars. Each cultivar affects the body and mind differently. Some give you a lighter, clear, joyful feeling, while others have a heavier, calming effect.
Kava is unlike many plants when it comes to reproducing, as it doesn’t produce flowers or seeds. You can only propagate or grow other kava plants from its roots. To be sure the effects are what the grower wants, they will harvest the root and drink it fresh. They’ll replant that plant’s root if they are happy with the effects. If not, they’ll throw it away. This process allows kava farmers to highlight specific growth patterns to get the right kavalactones, the active ingredient in kava, to get the right effects.
How are kava cultivars organized?
Kava cultivars are best organized by region. The South Pacific, an area of islands, is a unique place to grow plants, as each country has a different soil content and landscape. This is one of the aspects of kava’s unique effects and flavors.
Kava cultivars can be categorized into three groups: heady, heavy, and balanced. Heady kavas give you a calm, clear, and content feeling in your mind. Heavy kavas give you a feeling of relaxation, weighted limbs, and relaxed muscles in your body. Balanced kavas are right in the middle; they have both heady and heavy effects.
Kava cultivars by country
Here is a rundown of the most common countries that produce kava and the qualities their kava is known for.
Fijian kava cultivars
This kava cultivar is known for its heady effects and smooth, less bitter taste. Plants grown here are generally higher in methysticin, which could make it toxic. It is probably the most common type of kava on the market. It is unique in that it usually offers three varieties based on the part of the root that is being used: Waka, Lawena, and Kasa.
Waka comes from the stronger lateral roots, which have more kavalactones. Lawena comes from the basal part of the root and stem (the part of the root closest to the stem). This part has a milder flavor and milder effect. Kasa is the cheapest and roughest part of the kava plant as it comes from the stem. It’s not a desirable part of the plant as it has a very bitter taste and weak effects. Usually, it’s used as a “cut” to bulk up kava in poor-quality products. Most kava from Fiji comes in a 70% Waka and 30% Lawena blend.
Vanuatuan kava cultivars
Known to be where kava was first discovered, kava culture here is probably the strongest of all the islands. Due to how long it’s been grown there, it has some of the most genetically diverse cultivars (there are over 200 known varieties that come from Vanuatu!). This means it has cultivars that are heady, heavy, and balanced. Along with kava powder, kava bars called Nalamals are also very popular.
Unlike Fiji, the widespread use of kava in Vanuatu culture makes it possible to create single-cultivar kavas rather than blends. This allows the user to find a product that targets a specific effect.
Hawaiian kava cultivars
Kava here is known for being well-balanced and having a spicy flavor. Its effects aren’t as strong as other kavas, like Fijian, but it has a light and heady feeling. The kava culture in Hawaiian native culture is strong, but sadly, much of that has been lost. However, their kava cultivars have been gaining popularity in the North American Market. Kava grows well here due to the warm, sunny climate.
Often, cultivars from Fiji, Tonga, or Samoa are grown and sold from Hawaii.
Tongan kava cultivars
Kava is a huge part of Tongan history and culture. Known for their heady kavas, they may have high levels of DHK, kavain, which are neuroprotective, and methysticin, which could increase their toxicity. The genetics of many Tongan cultivars have been used throughout the kava market. Tongan kava comes in two varieties: Huli (black) and Hina (white).
Huli cultivars are stronger, harder-hitting, and bitter. In contrast, Hina is lighter and blissful. Due to their effects, these are the most sought-after cultivars in Tonga and the most expensive in the country. Because of the drastic difference in their effects, this kava is usually sold in blends, not individually.
Genetics from Tonga kava can also be found in Fijian and Hawaiian kava cultivars.
Samoan kava cultivars
Kava culture in Samoa has existed for centuries and is very popular throughout the country. In fact, it’s so popular that very little kava is exported, as the locals drink most of it. Several types of kava are grown, and they’re known for their light, clam, heady effects and smooth, cashew-like flavor.
There are three main cultivars in Samoa that are sold in blends rather than as individual cultivars. The kava isn’t as strong, allowing for longer drinking sessions, which is what Samoan kava culture is known for.
Micronesian kava cultivars
Kava grown here is known for being strong. Its use is very popular, and due to its unique geography, which consists of multiple small islands, a variety of cultivars are grown here. Despite the different locations, there is not much variety between cultivars. Most Micronesian kava comes from the island of Pohnpei, the biggest of the Micronesian islands. This kava is known to have heavy effects and may have unwanted side effects the day after drinking it.
Papua New Guinean kava cultivars
Historically, kava culture isn’t as strong here as it is on the other islands. Three varieties are grown, but there is not much genetic difference between them. The kava here is known to be very heavy or of the Tudei variety. This is known as wild kava and can cause bad side effects like nausea, headache, and diarrhea. It also can last up to two days, which in most cases isn’t ideal. Therefore, it’s not recommended for recreational users.
French Polynesian kava cultivars
Not much is known about cultivars from here as they have been poorly documented or lost over time. Drinking kava here is based on clan and class. It is known for being a formalized procedure to create peace, stimulating discussion, and supporting rank within the native culture. Unlike other islands, the attitude towards kava shifted and was seen as a pagan symbol by the French government and was suppressed. As the islands have gotten more autonomy, kava culture is starting to emerge to get back their traditional roots.
So what’s the big deal?
While knowing this might seem a bit over the top, it’s important to be familiar with the cultivars of kava to be sure you get the effect you’re looking for. If you took a calming, heavy kava when you were looking to go out and socialize with your friends, the impact would definitely negatively impact your experience.
