Singh’s Farm Fresh Supplies Kava

[Piperm]

Hello,

I recently found a supplier that I couldnt resist ordering from. It cost me a bit of money to get here, but they are located in Fiji.
I am actually happier purchasing from the suppliers listed on this site because what I received has a bit of a chemically odour. The kava is good, but there is something off with the aroma. I have a chemistry background and it smells a bit like a toluene/chemical-tar in the background of the smell. I am hoping it isnt carcinogenic and I was trying to get it tested to make sure the guy wasnt trying to poison me or something. I think the roots may have been treated (Fumigated/disinfected) possibly? I have no idea.

My question; has anyone had a Kava that had this type of smell to it, even lightly? I am going to try an HPLC analysis and will respond back here if I can actually get it done for a relatively low price, with the results. It should be easier and cheaper to get analysis done for individuals. I unfortunately dont work in an analytical lab where I can test everything I have a concern about.

 

[The Kap'n]

I've had some Fijian that smelled like that before. I believe it to be fumigated because the kind I had smelled almost like diesel fuel.

 

[Piperm]

Yes, that is exactly the smell. He never answered me when I asked if it was fumigated, but I will ask again. I actually laid some out and the odour went away this morning, so I am repeating the experiment. I couldnt drink it with this odour...I have no idea what chemical it is. Luckily it seems like it can be removed.

 

[Piperm]

I purchase from all suppliers, not to endorse this one. It is more expensive for shipping to get this from Fiji directly (300USD) to Ontario, Canada. It ended up being quite good and reminds me of the kava I used to buy from Fiji many years ago. I am glad i didnt have 5 Kg of waste.

 

[Lukie]

I had this too. I have heard a requirement for some people to have it fumigated with bromide. Horrible stuff!

 

[The Kap'n]

A little older thread, but we've narrowed down the culprit of this happening due to improper temps of the powdered kavas being put in the bags.

Edit: Or mold, but more likely the temp thing.

Here's something to try:

As an experiment if you want to know what this funky type chemical smell is, take 2 tbsp kava powder and put it in a ziplock bag. Add a few drops of water in it and keep it ziplocked for 2 days. Then open the bag and take a whiff. Thats the extreme version of the smell. You could taste it also. Then use the same kava powder put it back in the sun for a day let it sun out. Then smell and drink that kava. Thats the mild version. Most people find it difficult to detect the mild version