Can Kavalactones actually get above 12%

[Gourmet Hawaiian Kava]

Can Kavalactones Exceed 12 Percent?

There have been some people wondering about how high kavalactones canactually get in a kava plant, it is true that most kava is at 12% or below, this article will show the facts of kavalactone content in kava and what makes it higher or lower than others. It is true Kavalactones on average is 12% or lower kavalactone content varies in different cultivars grown in different locations and under different conditions. Kavalactone percentages can easily go over
12 percent depending on a variety of factors. In this article, I will talk about the scientific studies that prove this. I will also discuss the Farming Techniques that can increase the Kavalactone Content in kava. I hope to educate the Kava Resellers who are not farmers and who have not done the necessary research. But more importantly, I want to educate the Kava consumers who are constantly bombarded with false information about Kava.


What Causes Variations in Kavalactone Content?

When we are talking about kavalactone content, there is significant variation among different cultivars originating from the same island. Kavalactone content appears to be greatly determined by the growing conditions. Either by the local environment (soil and weather) or by the agricultural techniques used by the local farmers or both. Some of the tests that were done here in Hawaii have shown that there are several key factors that can increase the kavalactone content. Of course fertilizer is one factor. A fertilized kava will be higher in kavalactones than a unfertilized kava but this does not mean that you have to use chemical fertilizers. You can give the kava the food it needs by using a good rich compost, and other secrets that I learned from long time Hawaiian 'Awa farmers, this is my trick.

What Studies Back up these Techniques?

When I used to teach about kava at a Hawaiian an immersion school called Aha Punana Leo in Keau, we did an experiment on growing kava in rich compost the way the Hawaiians did traditionally. This was called the Lepo Ola Project. We planted a Nene kava and the results were incredible. This kava plant got so big and in such a short time that it still is the biggest kava plant that I have ever seen that was only 2 years old. We tested this plant at 14.7% total kavalactones and that is a very high percent for Nene because Nene is considered a kava that could be given to children in Hawaiian legend. Everybody things Nene is a weak kava but this test showed that the way you grow it makes a big difference. You can now imagine what Kavalactone percents can be achieved with the stronger strains like Papa Kea.

There was a large study that was done on Hawaiian kava this was funded by the Sachurana Foundation. Also involved in this study was The Heffler Research Institute, Dr. Vincent Lebot, Dr. Qun Yi Zheng, and Dr. Dennis McKenna. The results of this study gave us an incredible view into what the kavalactone content of the roots of each Hawaiian
kava and the other parts of the kava plant like the stalks and leaves. The foundation also tested kava that was in the wild, irrigated or not irrigated, fertilized or not, and in full sun or partial sun or in the shade. The study was published and peer reviewed.

A study done by (Siméoni & Lebot 2001) confirmed that there is significant cultivar variation within and between islands for kavalactone content, The ecological (geographical) factor appears to be more important than the genetic factor in determining kavalactone content. The growing location appears to play a significant role. Hawaii has shown to be the ultimate place to grow kava with high kavalactone contents. This is another reason that I am able to grow
kava that is so high in kavalactones here in Hawaii.

Applying the Techniques

Now back to the Nene, most Nene will have a kavalactone content in the range of 6-11%. So the study showed that a Nene that was wild, not irrigated and not fertilized was only 6.74% total kavalactones. However, a Nene that was cultivated, irrigated and fertilized was 11.68% total kavalactones. You can see that the increase of Kavalactones was almost two fold with the Nene that was grown using the right techniques.

Here is another interesting fact about Kava. Kava that is grown in full sun is a lot more potent than the same plant grown in the shade. For example, a Papa Ele Ele grown in full sun was tested at 15.07% total kavalactones and the same plant grown in full shade was tested at 8.95% total kavalactones. It is clear that the way you grow your kava,
where you grow your kava, and how you take care of it will have a big effect on the total kavalactone content.

This gives you an idea of how some of these factors will increase or decrease the kavalactone content. Also you need to take into account the individual farmer, as we all know some farmers grow things better than others. I just happen to know some tricks and secrets that I use when I grow my kava. I learned these tricks from my family (they were
into Kava) and my friends who grew kava in Waipio Valley. I grew up in Waimea and this is right above Waipio Valley. Waipio Valley is well know for it's kava and some of the old time growers there imparted there knowledge to me. I keep this knowledge alive by teaching those that want to learn and as I mentioned I taught kava at the Hawaiian
immersion school. These Kava growing techniques have been passed down from generation to generation and now they are part of the curriculum at the Hawaiian immersion schools.

In Conclusion

To answer the main question, yes, I can easily grow Kava that exceeds 12 percent but how about the other Kavas? I am always evaluating Kava and I always invite people to send me samples from different areas. I had a sample of my Fijian kava and it tested at 4.41%, that is low but it is what it is. That is why you have to find a good kava dealer that
consistently gets and sells good kava. Most suppliers know where to get good Noble kava and others use less than Noble techniques. Some suppliers and resellers feel the need to spike there kava with a 30% extract that makes the kava drink appear a vivid yellow. Sadly, others will spike there kava with Tudei kava. And others sell tudei kava as a
potent drinkable kava. As you know, Tudei kava was never used as a drinking kava by the islanders 1000s of years ago. My tests have proven these assertions and some of the suppliers have come right out and told me they do this. Please don’t ask me for names. For the record, Gourmet Hawaiian Kava DOES NOT spike our Kava. So this is another good reason to get your kava from a known reputable seller or supplier who regularly tests their Kava. There are hundreds of tests results but I just posted a few at the end of the article. You will see from the results that Kava can easily go over 12 percent.

I hope that this article was informative to you. As always, please do not hesitate to ask me questions. Here in Hawaii, we are on the forefront of Kava Research and we have experts like Dr. Vincent Lebot helping us in our endeavors to understand this wonderful plant called kava. Please review the tests below on the various cultivars.

Aloha nui loa.


Here is the kavalactone information for different kava from different places.


Wallis:

Cultivar--- Hina Kata Loa 16.45% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Huli Kata Loa 15.56% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Hina Leka 17.89% total kavalactones.

Cook Islands

Cultivar--- Mangaia 9.48% total kavalactones

Tahiti and the Marquesas

Cultivar---Fataua 11.13% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papenoo 9.92% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Omoa 18.05% total kavalactones

Papua New Guinea, Solomons and Pohnpei:

Cultivar---Ume1, 20.61% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Umi 2, 9.48% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Bundun 1, 16.54% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Bundun 2, 8.15% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Kaukupwe 11.46% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Borosak 6.54% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ayou 2, 17.43% total kavalactone content
Cultivar---Sipaia 22.6% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Isa 9.97% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Iwi 29.62% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Koniak 8.39% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Rahmedel 9.1% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Rahwahnger 14.65% total kavalactones

Samples from Vanuatu

Cultivar---Thyei 17.16% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila 16.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Malmalbo 16.33% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Fock 18.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Palavoke 15.75% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Merei13, 22.25% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Merei18, 20.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Fock 23, 20.84% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Malogrow 8.06% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Kar28, 9.96% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Boroguru 9.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Black hand 12.2% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Borogu 6.59% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila3, 24.77% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila6,24.11% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila8, 25.27% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nimau 7.61% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Riki 6.35% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Visul 7.96% total kavalactones

Samoa

Cultivar---Ava lea 20.6% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Talo 17.3% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Samoa 9.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Ulu 11.53% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava laau 9.9% total kavalactones

Tonga

Cultivar---Fulufulu 17% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Huli 13.24% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Akau 12.95% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Leka Hina 11.34% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Akau Hina 18.12% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Akau Fulufulu 12.37% total kavalactones

Fiji

Cultivar---Gona Damu 17.3% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Matakaro Balavu 9.4% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Loa 8.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Loa Kasa Leka 9.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vulu Kasa Leka 15.3% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Qila leka14.46% totalkavalactones

Hawaii

Cultivar---Moi 20.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Moi 15.1% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Mahakea 13% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Hanakapi ai 15.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nene 11.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Honokane Iki 14.1% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Apu 11.2% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Panaewa 14.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papa Ele Ele 20.8% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Kumakua 11.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nene 8.4% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Mapulehu 9.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar--- Panaewa 7.83% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papa Kea 15% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Papa Kea 22% total kavalactones

 

[keeron]

Can Kavalactones Exceed 12 Percent?

There have been some people wondering about how high kavalactones can
actually get in a kava plant, it is true that most kava is at 12% or
below, this article will show the facts of kavalactone content in kava
and what makes it higher or lower than others.
It is true Kavalactones on average is 12% or lower kavalactone
content varies in different cultivars grown in different locations and
under different conditions. Kavalactone percentages can easily go over
12 percent depending on a variety of factors. In this article, I
will talk about the scientific studies that prove this. I will also
discuss the Farming Techniques that can increase the Kavalactone
Content in kava. I hope to educate the Kava Resellers who are not
farmers and who have not done the necessary research. But more
importantly, I want to educate the Kava consumers who are constantly
bombarded with false information about Kava.


What Causes Variations in Kavalactone Content?

When we are talking about kavalactone content, there is significant
variation among different cultivars originating from the same island.
Kavalactone content appears to be greatly determined by the growing
conditions. Either by the local environment (soil and weather) or by
the agricultural techniques used by the local farmers or both. Some of
the tests that were done here in Hawaii have shown that there are
several key factors that can increase the kavalactone content. Of
course fertilizer is one factor. A fertilized kava will be higher in
kavalactones than a unfertilized kava but this does not mean that you
have to use chemical fertilizers. You can give the kava the food it
needs by using a good rich compost, and other secrets that I learned from long time Hawaiian 'Awa farmers, this is my trick.


What Studies Back up these Techniques?

When I used to teach about kava at a Hawaiian an immersion school
called Aha Punana Leo in Keau, we did an experiment on growing kava in
rich compost the way the Hawaiians did traditionally. This was called
the Lepo Ola Project. We planted a Nene kava and the results were
incredible. This kava plant got so big and in such a short time that
it still is the biggest kava plant that I have ever seen that was only
2 years old. We tested this plant at 14.7% total kavalactones and that
is a very high percent for Nene because Nene is considered a kava that
could be given to children in Hawaiian legend. Everybody things Nene
is a weak kava but this test showed that the way you grow it makes a
big difference. You can now imagine what Kavalactone percents can be
achieved with the stronger strains like Papa Kea.


There was a large study that was done on Hawaiian kava this was funded
by the Sachurana Foundation. Also involved in this study was The
Heffler Research Institute, Dr. Vincent Lebot, Dr. Qun Yi Zheng, and
Dr. Dennis McKenna. The results of this study gave us an incredible
view into what the kavalactone content of the roots of each Hawaiian
kava and the other parts of the kava plant like the stalks and leaves.
The foundation also tested kava that was in the wild, irrigated or not
irrigated, fertilized or not, and in full sun or partial sun or in the
shade. The study was published and peer reviewed.


A study done by (Siméoni & Lebot 2001) confirmed that there is
significant cultivar variation within and between islands for
kavalactone content, The ecological (geographical) factor appears to be
more important than the genetic factor in determining kavalactone
content. The growing location appears to play a significant
role. Hawaii has shown to be the ultimate place to grow kava with high
kavalactone contents. This is another reason that I am able to grow
kava that is so high in kavalactones here in Hawaii.


Applying the Techniques

Now back to the Nene, most Nene will have a kavalactone content in the
range of 6-11%. So the study showed that a Nene that was wild, not
irrigated and not fertilized was only 6.74% total kavalactones.
However, a Nene that was cultivated, irrigated and fertilized was
11.68% total kavalactones. You can see that the increase of
Kavalactones was almost two fold with the Nene that was grown using the
right techniques.


Here is another interesting fact about Kava. Kava that is grown in
full sun is a lot more potent than the same plant grown in the shade.
For example, a Papa Ele Ele grown in full sun was tested at 15.07%
total kavalactones and the same plant grown in full shade was tested at
8.95% total kavalactones. It is clear that the way you grow your kava,
where you grow your kava, and how you take care of it will have a big
effect on the total kavalactone content.


This gives you an idea of how some of these factors will increase or
decrease the kavalactone content. Also you need to take into account
the individual farmer, as we all know some farmers grow things better
than others. I just happen to know some tricks and secrets that I use
when I grow my kava. I learned these tricks from my family (they were
into Kava) and my friends who grew kava in Waipio Valley. I grew up
in Waimea and this is right above Waipio Valley. Waipio Valley is well
know for it's kava and some of the old time growers there imparted
there knowledge to me. I keep this knowledge alive by teaching those
that want to learn and as I mentioned I taught kava at the Hawaiian
immersion school. These Kava growing techniques have been passed down
from generation to generation and now they are part of the curriculum
at the Hawaiian immersion schools.


In Conclusion

To answer the main question, yes, I can easily grow Kava that exceeds
12 percent but how about the other Kavas? I am always evaluating Kava
and I always invite people to send me samples from different areas. I
had a sample of my Fijian kava and it tested at 4.41%, that is low but
it is what it is. That is why you have to find a good kava dealer that
consistently gets and sells good kava. Most suppliers know where to get
good Noble kava and others use less than Noble techniques. Some
suppliers and resellers feel the need to spike there kava with a 30%
extract that makes the kava drink appear a vivid yellow. Sadly, others
will spike there kava with Tudei kava. And others sell tudei kava as a
potent drinkable kava. As you know, Tudei kava was never used as a
drinking kava by the islanders 1000s of years ago. My tests have
proven these assertions and some of the suppliers have come right out
and told me they do this. Please don’t ask me for names. For the
record, Gourmet Hawaiian Kava DOES NOT spike our Kava. So this is
another good reason to get your kava from a known reputable seller or
supplier who regularly tests their Kava. There are hundreds of tests
results but I just posted a few at the end of the article. You will
see from the results that Kava can easily go over 12 percent.


I hope that this article was informative to you. As always, please do
not hesitate to ask me questions. Here in Hawaii, we are on the
forefront of Kava Research and we have experts like Dr. Vincent Lebot
helping us in our endeavors to understand this wonderful plant called
kava. Please review the tests below on the various cultivars.


Aloha nui loa.


Here is the kavalactone information for different kava from different places.


Here are some samples of kavalactone contents from Wallis:

Cultivar--- Hina Kata Loa 16.45% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Huli Kata Loa 15.56% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Hina Leka 17.89% total kavalactones.


Here are samples from Cook Islands

Cultivar--- Mangaia 9.48% total kavalactones


Samples from Tahiti and the Marquesas

Cultivar---Fataua 11.13% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Papenoo 9.92% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Omoa 18.05% total kavalactones


Samples from Papua New Guinea, Solomons and Pohnpei:

Cultivar---Ume1, 20.61% total kavalactones Cultivar---Umi 2, 9.48%
total kavalactones

Cultivar---Bundun 1, 16.54% total kavalactones Cultivar---Bundun 2,
8.15% total kavalactones Cultivar---Kaukupwe 11.46% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Borosak 6.54% total kavalactones Cultivar---Ayou 2, 17.43%
total kavalactone content Cultivar---Sipaia 22.6% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Isa 9.97% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Iwi 29.62% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Koniak 8.39% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Rahmedel 9.1% total kavalactones Cultivar---Rahwahnger
14.65% total kavalactones


Samples from Vanuatu

Cultivar---Thyei 17.16% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Vila 16.5% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Malmalbo 16.33% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Fock 18.7% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Palavoke 15.75% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Merei13, 22.25% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Merei18, 20.8% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Fock 23, 20.84% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Malogrow 8.06% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Kar28, 9.96% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Boroguru 9.8% total kavalactones Cultivar---Black hand 12.2%
total kavalactones Cultivar---Borogu 6.59% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Vila3, 24.77% total kavalactones Cultivar---Vila6,24.11%
total kavalactones Cultivar---Vila8, 25.27% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Nimau 7.61% total kavalactones Cultivar---Riki 6.35% total
kavalactones Cultivar---Visul 7.96% total kavalactones


Samples from Samoa

Cultivar---Ava lea 20.6% total kavalactones Cultivar---Ava Talo 17.3%
total kavalactones Cultivar---Ava Samoa 9.5% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Ava Ulu 11.53% total kavalactones Cultivar---Ava laau 9.9%
total kavalactones


Samples from Tonga

Cultivar---Fulufulu 17% total kavalactones Cultivar---Huli 13.24% total
kavalactones Cultivar---Akau 12.95% total kavalactones Cultivar---Leka
Hina 11.34% total kavalactones Cultivar---Akau Hina 18.12% total
kavalactones Cultivar---Akau Fulufulu 12.37% total kavalactones


Samples from Fiji

Cultivar---Gona Damu 17.3% total kavalactones Cultivar---Matakaro
Balavu 9.4% total kavalactones Cultivar---Loa 8.7% total kavalactones
Cultivar---Loa Kasa Leka 9.7% total kavalactones Cultivar---Vulu Kasa
Leka 15.3% total kavalactones Cultivar---Qila leka14.46% total
kavalactones


Samples from Hawaii

Cultivar---Moi 20.8% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Moi 15.1% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Mahakea 13% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Hanakapi ai 15.5% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Nene 11.7% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Honokane Iki 14.1% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Apu 11.2% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Panaewa 14.5% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Papa Ele Ele 20.8% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Kumakua 11.7% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Nene 8.4% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Mapulehu 9.7% total kavalactones

Cultivar--- Panaewa 7.83% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Papa Kea 15% total kavalactones

Cultivar---Papa Kea 22% total kavalactones

Great Post... This is great info!!!.

If you are skeptical just ask yourself this, Isnt Kava a plant?? . Can't plants be manipulated to produce certain chemicals and certain yields ?
We've done this with the Colorado,California & Amsterdam Herb and Nearly every crop in the World, why cant we do this with Kava ?
I personally believe Higher Kavalactone Amounts can be achieved, just from the fact that its a plant, lol. I guess seeing the proof is just the final thing people need.

I have found it common that there are certain substances that work well for certain plants,
Maybe Chris and his people have found a certain Ratio of Nutrients, Fertilizers or an optimal type of Soil or Compost that can help Kava produce higher levels of kavalactones.

Just like different plants need Certain NPK ratio's, humidity levels and temperatures for different types of ''Bob Marley'' Plants.
And not forgeting trace minerals and other fertilizer that needs to be in the soil, and not to mention different types of soil produce different chemicals and different levels of certain chemicals. And the outcome can be affected by different types of compost etc.

If kava is viewed in the same way as other plants, then i think alot can be achieved when growing Kava, not just 12% Kavalactones and thats it.
For someone to deny Higher Kavalactone Percentages being possible, then you must of forgot that it is just a plant.

 

[kavadude]

Thank you, Chris. The chemical content of plants can even vary based on time of day, so its not hard to believe we can massively improve lactones with the right technique. This also explains why the same strain, dose from the same vendor can lay you out one night and not give you the desired effect next.

 

[TidyMinion]

So many kavas, so little time...

 

[Deleted User01]

Great post Chris. Educational as usual. Sometimes I think the members and I are like mushroooms. We are in the dark all the time and periodically someone comes in to feed us manure. It’s nice to see some cold, hard facts behind the theories and outlandish claims. And I know Infraredz and crew are always battling that but this is something only you could post.

On another topic. As you know, our Moi Mois are about 3 months old. Bulabuck, Kavadude and myself need to know when we should start worrying about tipping. Specifically, at what age or at what height?

Along the same lines, I too am a great believer in compost and I always have 2 big trash cans going at one time. When you get a chance, I want to talk to you about how you make your compost and if there are any tricks to speed up the process. I only use grass clipping, manure, chopped up leaves, and some soil in mine but I started using a compost starter this year.

Thanks for taking the time to post this article.

 

[Roaddog]

Guess they could GMO Kava, and make it super strong. Don't worry I was just kidding. This is really great info. Seems like the samples from Vanuatu seemed to test higher than most, where as some of the Fiji seem to be lower. I often order both, and mix them. I find they make a great blend. I also use compost for almost everything. @Deleted User01 , I also have a worm farm, that makes great worm castings. I use that for a lot of plants, like my tomatoes. I make a tea, from it, and water them with it. Much love. Roaddog....

 

[HeadHodge]

Thanks Chris!!! (perfect....)

 

[Deleted User01]

Roaddog. I need to set up a worm farm. But by using compost and not using chemical fertilizers, I find that I'm growing big fat worms everywhere. I almost hate to dig into the earth because there are always casualties. I remember I bought a bunch of worns a few years back and dumped them in the veggie garden. The next morning my mother in law was yelling at me, "Quick, go out side, the birds are eating all your worms.". Guess they didn't dig underground fast enough.

 

[Roaddog]

Roaddog. I need to set up a worm farm. But by using compost and not using chemical fertilizers, I find that I'm growing big fat worms everywhere. I almost hate to dig into the earth because there are always casualties. I remember I bought a bunch of worns a few years back and dumped them in the veggie garden. The next morning my mother in law was yelling at me, "Quick, go out side, the birds are eating all your worms.". Guess they didn't dig underground fast enough.

No, that's probably not the way to go to start a worm farm. That would suck. My chickens, would really like them. If you got worms growing, you got good soil, especialy If you use compost. If you want to learn more about it, I bought a kit off Amazon. Or you can make a do it yourself version, and make one out of tubs. Tons of Teks, on line. See you also must order special worms. These worms look like the garden variety, but they are not. They have been bread to hate light. So this allows me to have my worm farm, setting next to the fridge in my kitchen. I just monitor, them and feed them paper, and old vegetables, I also use coconut coir. I bet that would make a killer Kava fertilizer. It just makes every plant grow good. . Much love. Roaddog....

 

[HeadHodge]

....These worms look like the garden variety, but they are not.....

They taste just like chicken too!!!

 

[Roaddog]

No, @HeadHodge, I should maybe through a few in the blender with tonights, Kava. The worms would make it taste extra earthy.. Too funny.

 

[Monkava'd]

As per those kavalactone contents; the amount of kavalactones is obviously not the key contributor of potency in and of itself; but only when in congregation with its proper chemotype can any manner of said potency be consolidated [just take a gander at the Koniak (a key component of that strain is it's tendency to lean towards the representative's Tudei/Isa) ]

I love this aspect of kava; for it is a conniving mistress that seeks to remain veiled until whatever seems like the right time; too reveal itself in all it's righteous and glorious mystic.

And along with these discrepancies; there's so many benefactors; or in opposition, degradable aspects to the process of growth I.e ecological, geographical,tactile botanic practices yet to be uncovered.

That I'm continually flabbergasted at how little our comprehension has evolved even at this stage in the game towards not just kava, but everything that's out in the universe unbeknownst to us; forever awaiting every civilizations perpetual growth to take hold; because of course we've only just begun to open our newborn eyes.

Thank you Chris for providing all of us with another influential piece of a confusing jigsaw puzzle.

Oh, btw Deleted User01 and Roaddog; I'm always in the imaginative process of tearing the grit and soil up to lay a foundation for an organic garden; only consisting of heirloom seeds lain with moist compost....no gmo........but alas that is only in thought, not quite in practice....though someday it "will" come to fruition.

 

[Roaddog]

Oh, btw Deleted User01 and Roaddog; I'm always in the imaginative process of tearing the grit and soil up to lay a foundation for an organic garden; only consisting of heirloom seeds lain with moist compost....no gmo........but alas that is only in thought, not quite in practice....though someday it "will" come to fruition.

Ya that what dreams are for, For coming true. You will have your organic garden. Much love. Roaddog....

 

[Gourmet Hawaiian Kava]

Guess they could GMO Kava, and make it super strong. Don't worry I was just kidding. This is really great info. Seems like the samples from Vanuatu seemed to test higher than most, where as some of the Fiji seem to be lower. I often order both, and mix them. I find they make a great blend. I also use compost for almost everything. @Deleted User01 , I also have a worm farm, that makes great worm castings. I use that for a lot of plants, like my tomatoes. I make a tea, from it, and water them with it. Much love. Roaddog....

There were so many test results from so many kava plants that I only listed a few of them, I was focusing on the higher kavalactone contents but there are also test results that showed 12% and below, I just wanted to show that kavalactone content can and does get higher than 12%.
There are select farmers in every Kava growing area that have there special way of growing kava and there kava is higher in kavalactones, this along with the other factors I mentioned will give you a great kava that is high in kavalactones.. I am really glad that you like the information. I will be writing another article on the Chemotypes and how they relate to the kavalactone content and the potency and effect of the kava.
Aloha.

Chris

 

[Gourmet Hawaiian Kava]

I use worm casting

Roaddog. I need to set up a worm farm. But by using compost and not using chemical fertilizers, I find that I'm growing big fat worms everywhere. I almost hate to dig into the earth because there are always casualties. I remember I bought a bunch of worns a few years back and dumped them in the veggie garden. The next morning my mother in law was yelling at me, "Quick, go out side, the birds are eating all your worms.". Guess they didn't dig underground fast enough.

I use worm castings in my compost that I make, it is one of my key ingredients, it is real good stuff, I also use fruit and vegetables in the compost, I get them from my local farmers market when they are to old to sell. I do have other things that I add to my compost but it is only found here in Hawaii and my secret, i have to stay above the competition.

 

[Deleted User01]

Worm castings heh? I guess I'm back to RoadDogs suggestion. Maybe I can put a load of worms in the compost (once the heat settles down) and let them get to work. Might be great for all my plants, veggies and Moi Mois. Any suggestions from my fellow gardeners would be appreciated.

 

[KAVATOM]

Hey Chris, those kavalactone %'s are really interesting. Do you have any idea how much the % varies from one part of the roots to another, such as the stump compared to the lower roots? Also, would their ratios remain the same throughout the various root parts?

 

[Roaddog]

Worm castings heh? I guess I'm back to RoadDogs suggestion. Maybe I can put a load of worms in the compost (once the heat settles down) and let them get to work. Might be great for all my plants, veggies and Moi Mois. Any suggestions from my fellow gardeners would be appreciated.

Well I'm not for sure I would put them in my compost. Reason is, your using grass clippings. The process of gathering grass clippings, and piling them together, will create heat. Its a natural chemical reaction, of clorophile, to create heat I have seen grass piles actually smoke, from so much heat. Vermicomposting is the process of feeding worms, but not composting. Vermicomposting is a process where the worms eat the compost, instead of bacteria, breaking it down for you. Worms prefer temperatures at around 70 degrees. Much love. Roaddog....

 

[Deleted User01]

Roaddog. I hear ya. I said "when the heat settles down" but now I'm wondering how I would even know. When the heat stops then it should be ready, right? I'm going to quiz Chris some more in private. Obviously he cannot put worms in his compost per the heat thing. How would you get that much casings? Maybe I should pull out some of my old issues of Organic Gardening? Wait a minute, this is a job for Super Google! Roadie, how many worms do you reckon you are raising and how do you use them?

This is almost a joke but ... a good friend of ours promised my brother's bookeeper some worms for her garden. She send thousands of them in a box during winter. They arrived at his office dead and stinking to high, high, heaven. It took them a while to figure out where the smell was coming from. He was pissed. Maybe I should call the good friend and see if she has some worm casings for me.

 

[Roaddog]

Well here is what I ordered, from amazon, I did get some information, off line too. I started with about 1000 worms. In a few months you will have 10 times that. here is the link to the one I ordered http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Worm factory I ordered the $99 model ,It works great, it even comes with a detailed instructions. Also I have a great connection for worms, if your in the US. much love. Roaddog....