What is Kava? | Kapua Kava Bar in Fort Myers, FL
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KAVA...

The day of revealing shall see what it sees:
A seeing of facts, a sifting of rumors,
An insight won by the black sacred ʻawa,
A vision like that of a sacred god!

WHAT IS KAVA?

The name kava(-kava) is from Tongan and Marquesan; other names for kava include ʻawa (Hawaiʻi),ʻava (Samoa), yaqona (Fiji), sakau or malogu (parts of Vanuatu).

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The roots of the plant are used to produce a drink with sedative, anesthetic, euphoriant, and entheogenic properties. Kava is consumed throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Vanuatu, Melanesia and some parts of Micronesia for its sedating effects. Its active ingredients are called kavalactones. A Cochrane systematic review concluded it was likely to be effective at treating short-term anxiety.

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The several cultivars of kava vary in concentrations of primary and secondary psychoactive alkaloids. The largest number are grown in the Republic of Vanuatu, and so it is recognized as the “home” of kava. Kava was historically grown only in the Pacific islands of Hawaii, Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, the Samoas and Tonga. Some is grown in the Solomon Islands since World War II, but most is imported. Kava is a cash crop in Vanuatu and Fiji.

The kava shrub thrives in loose, well-drained soils where plenty of air reaches the roots. It grows naturally where rainfall is plentiful (over 2,000 mm/yr). Ideal growing conditions are 70–95 °F (21–35 °C) and 70–100% relative humidity. Traditionally, plants are harvested around four years of age, as older plants have higher concentrations of kavalactones.

NOBLE AND NON-NOBLE KAVA

Scholars make a distinction between the so-called “noble” and non-noble kava. The latter category comprises the so-called “tudei” (or “two-day”) kavas, medicinal kavas and wild kava. Traditionally, only noble kavas have been used for regular consumption due to their more favorable composition of kavalactones and other compounds that produce more pleasant effects and have lower potential for causing negative side-effects, such as nausea or “kava hangover”.

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KAVA CULTURE

Kava is used for medicinal, religious, political, cultural and social purposes throughout the Pacific. These cultures have a great respect for the plant and place a high importance on it. In Fiji, for example, a formal yaqona (kava) ceremony will often accompany important social, political, or religious functions, usually involving a ritual presentation of the bundled roots as a sevusevu (gift), and drinking of the yaqona itself. Due to the importance of kava in religious rituals and the seemingly (from the Western point of view) unhygienic preparation method, its consumption was discouraged or even banned by Christian missionaries.

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Kapua Kava Bar, located in Fort Myers, Florida strives to honor centuries old traditions while also embracing a new and vibrant kava culture. As kava grows in popularity across our nation, Kapua Kava Bar will stay at the forefront of new and exciting ways to enjoy this traditional root, in our drinks and edibles.

Varietals

KAVA KAVA

Kapua Kava Bar in Fort Myers, Florida serves a impressive selection  of Kava Kava from a wide range of Islands and varieties. All of our Kava Kava meets the highest standards of Noble Root and purity. (a minimum of five years of age).

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While many other Kava Bars offer different levels of questionable quality at different price ranges, Kapua only serves the highest quality Kava Kava strains, all at the best price in town. Kapua Kava Bar NEVER uses “Instant Kava” or “Re-Strains Used Kava Root”.

Kapua Kava is processed in the only food-grade kava processing facility in the world for your safety and well being. Get Calm with Kava

We also serve Lehigh Acres, Estero, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and the surrounding areas in the region.

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Here are some of the Kava Kava “Varietals” currently available at Kapua Kava Bar.

 

Basal and Lateral Roots

Under the Kava plant, there is a network of roots that consist of two different types of roots. The thicker portion of the root system is known as the Basal Roots, or Chips, and is often lighter in color. The thinner portion of root system is known as the Lateral Roots, or Roots, and contrary to the Basal Root, is darker in color. 

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*The Basal Roots are the main portion of the root closest to the stem. These roots are high in starches.

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*The Lateral Roots are the thinner roots that extend out beyond the canopy line of the Kava plant. These roots are low in starches but high in Kavalactones.

 

Vanuatu “100% Lateral Root” Kava
From Vanuatu “The Fire Islands of the South Pacific”. This high quality noble Kava is selected from plants 5 to 6 years in age that have been organically grown in rich volcanic soil.

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Vanuatu 100% Lateral Root Kava powder, is derived from the smaller roots that extend from the main root-stock. These roots are higher in Kavalactones.

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Solomon Island “Gold”
From Solomon Islands, This high quality noble Kava is selected from plants 7 years in age that have been organically grown in rich volcanic soil.

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Solomon Island’s “Gold” Kava powder, is a potent blend of 70% Basal Roots & 30% Lateral Roots, yielding a potent bowl whether the occasion is ceremonial or relaxation. The first choice of the Headhunter connoisseur.

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Solomon Island “Headhunter”
From Solomon Islands (Guadalcanal Headhunters). This high quality noble Kava is selected from plants 7 years in age that have been organically grown in rich volcanic soil.

 

Solomon Island’s “Headhunter” Kava powder, is a potent blend of 50% Basal Roots & 50% Lateral Roots, yielding a potent bowl whether the occasion is ceremonial or relaxation. The first choice of the Headhunter connoisseur.

 

Vanuatu “Ceremonial” Kava
From Vanuatu,This high quality noble Kava is selected from plants 5 to 6 years in age that have been organically grown in rich volcanic soil.

 

Vanuatu Ceremonial Kava powder, is a perfect blend of 70% Basal Roots & 30% Lateral Roots, yielding a potent bowl whether the occasion is ceremonial (hence the name) or relaxation.

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Vanuatu “Black Label” Kava
From Vanuatu, This high quality noble Kava is selected from plants 5 to 6 years in age that have been organically grown in rich volcanic soil.

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Vanuatu Black Label Kava powder, is a potent blend of 50% Basal Roots & 50% Lateral Roots, yielding a potent bowl whether the occasion is ceremonial or relaxation. Black Label is special because traditionally, Kava is sun-dried until all the moisture is gone. Black Label, on the other hand, is dehydrated directly after it is harvested, and further processed to remove about 20% of its fibers, promoting a fresher and cleaner taste.

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Fiji Kadavu “Waka” 100% Lateral Root Kava
From Fiji (Bula Paradise), this high quality noble Kava is selected from plants at least 5 years in age that have been organically grown on the island of Vanua Levu.

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The Fijian WAKA (100% Lateral Root) Kava powder, is derived from the smaller roots that extend from the main root-stock. These roots are higher in Kavalactones.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent and disease.

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