Here on our beautiful farm in Kona, Hawaii, we have several acres of lush kava plants flourishing year round. This bush, with its heart shaped leaves, thrives at about 500 to 1000 feet above sea level, and we are right in the middle of that range! Our plants are about 20 feet tall, with rhizomes reaching in every direction from the base of the plant, as far as ten feet! Some of these lateral roots are below the surface, and some are above. It is from these lateral roots that the majority of kava for consumption is harvested - that way, the plants can keep thriving from year to year in a fully sustainable fashion.
It takes about three years minimum from the first planting before it is possible to harvest the lateral roots of the plant. If the plant is harvested any earlier, it may die. Many kava farmers allow plants to mature a minimum of 5 years before harvesting the first lateral roots, which allows for more potency to develop. The lateral roots, or runners, are fairly easy to harvest without harming the plant, and are the most potent part of the plant, as well.
Once we harvest the first set of roots after the first three years, we must then wait another three years to harvest more of these roots. The most potent kava comes from first generation roots and rhizomes, so many kava farmers constantly rotate plants and crops to ensure maximum potency. Kava plants rarely produce seeds, but they are very easy to propagate from cuttings.
If you look up images of kava farms online, you will find that many of them are surrounded by tall trees. This is because kava plants love the shade, and plenty of water, as well. Each kava plant spreads out a great deal when full grown, so we keep them separated by abut 6 feet. This yields an average of about 1200 plants per acre.
Since it is the roots of the kava plant that are harvested, and the plants grow in tropical climates, it is possible to harvest kava roots year round. It is important not to harvest roots that are less than 3 inches thick. If one is patient enough, it is better to wait until the roots are closer to five or six inches thick! It is essential that kava for consumption only be prepared using the roots and rhizomes of the plant - consuming the above-ground portion of the plant can be quite dangerous and toxic.
Once the roots are harvested, they may be cut into small pieces that weigh just a couple of ounces each. This allows for quick and even drying. It is important to note that kava, to remain at its maximum potency must retain some moisture. So, to make sure that the kava you are purchasing is still fresh, ensure that it is in a sealed foil package. Drying the roots in the sun is the most effective method, may make the flavor less bitter than usual, and is very ecologically friendly, as well!
If you are a fan of kava, of if you're ever fortunate enough to visit one of the many Pacific islands where kava is consumed in the traditional fashion, you absolutely must try out fresh kava root at least once. A kava beverage made from fresh root is much less bitter, and much more potent and lively. Only by experiencing kava prepared from the fresh root will you truly be able to understand why this plant is so integral to our people and our culture.
Kona Kava Farm ships worldwide and offers safe, effective, and unusually potent Kava made only from the roots of our organic-certified, estate-grown plants. Don't forget to register for our free monthly Kava giveaway when you stop by as well. Aloha no, Makaira Kealoha
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