Understanding the Price Differences in Kava: Quality Over Cost
Well the TC Alfred is bashing us around up here, it's too early for a few shells, so thought I would sound off on this topic.
If you've been wondering why there's such a noticeable difference between top-shelf vendors like Australia Kava Shop and those budget buys on Facebook Marketplace or from retailers in West Sydney and Logan area, this one's for you. 🥥
Lets start with a good clip covering this in short
First things first, when we’re talking about kava quality, we can’t skimp on the facts. It’s all about what you get for your money. Those premium vendors? They aren’t just slapping a high price tag on for kicks. Nope, they’ve got the receipts to back it up. In fact in most case they actually have what's called COA's (Certificate of Analysis) to back up both the strength, the type of kava (whether it is a noble and safe to drink chemotype) and even microbial levels.
Yep, these legit shops ensure their kava is put through rigorous testing. They exclusively use noble variety cultivars — the good stuff. Think of it like the difference between a fine wine and a cheap boxed wine. 🌿🍷 I've posted an example of this below - its an abridged version, by full spec analysis should also be available on any quality kava site.
The Tudei Vanuatu Kava Issue 🌋🍂
Let’s not shy away from the not-so-pretty side of kava. Tudei kava from Vanuatu can be a bit of a wild card. We’re talking unpredictable effects like longer-lasting but harsh impacts on the body. The phrase "tudei kava" comes from meaning the negative impacts of it last for 2 days! Now here is the fantastic thing about legitamitely exported kava from Vanuatu. The Vanuatu quarantine dept. test ALL kava exports to be sure they are noble kava and not tudei.
Sounds great right....However there are multiple PALM Labour agents in Vanuatu who insist their recruits MUST bring back with them 4kg of kava or they don't get a ticket to work in Australia. You can legally bring back 4kg without declaring it. No big deal you think.... well there are over 5000 Ni-Vanuatu workers current in Australia. Let's say that 1000 of them bring 4kg. That is 4 tonnes of kava that the agents then force them to sell to unscrupulous sellers in Australia who then on sell. That is 4 tonnes of kava that is NOT tested for nobility.
Obviously anyone selling Vanuatu kava at a cheap price and without a COA, the kava has likely come through this channel and it's almost a certainty that it is Tudei kava.
Please note that no negative aspersions are being cast on PALM workers here. IF they do this it is because they are being forced to do it by scum bag agents back in Vanuatu.
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. To our beautiful Pacific Islander community here in Australia: we know you’re accustomed to kava at a different price point. It’s part of your heritage, your daily routines, your relaxation rituals. But here’s the hard truth — cheaper isn't better. 😪
There’s a reason some kava is priced low. It's a reflection of the quality — or lack thereof. Cheaper kava often means corners were cut, be it in cultivation, processing, or testing. Lets break it down on a country of origin basis:
There are no tudei varieties in Fiji. They only have noble kava there and that is due to the anthropological nature of how kava spread through the Pacific 100's of years ago. The issue is that Fiji kava is sold at bargain basement prices throughout densely populated Pacific Island areas in Australia. This is because it has a high percentage of kava in it. What is kasa? kava is above the first node plant material. It is low in good kava lactones (the feel good stuff in kava) and high in the bad kavalactones, the stuff that can cause health issues.
After visiting Mount Druitt, St Marys, Penrith and Logan on kava missions and hanging with mates there, these areas are freaking LOADED with junk kava that is blended with kasa. The price point found at the stores - around $100-120 a kg or even less on facebook market place reflect this. There is simply no way premium (non kasa) kava can be sold at these prices based on the wholesale price of Fiji Kava back in Fiji.
A classic example is the below junk found on FB Market for $110 per kg place kava search in Mount Druitt
When you buy Noble Certified Fiji Kava like Fiji Harmony and Waka Premium, you know you are drinking kava that is kasa free and safe to drink. As mentioned this is indicated by both the price and the certification!
Like Fiji, there are no recorded tudei kava varieties in Tonga. Which is awesome. As well as this drinking premium quality Tonga kava is one of the greatest kava experiences you have.
However in Tonga kava culture, above ground plant material is not even considered a bad thing. So exporters to Australia have absolutely no issue in loading up their product with above ground junk. Once again, just like Fiji kasa filled crap that is through suburbs high with a Pacific Island demographic, it is the same with the Tonga kava available in these areas.
Tongan kava exporters who export to the USA - whose buyers have very strcit standards sell their premium product wholesale at the same rice as what is being sold on the shelves in places like Logan.
Now if youare of TOngan heritage you probably don't care. However there are multiple studies showing that drinking above ground plant material is potentially hepatoxic.
That is not to say there isn't Premium TOngan Kava available in Oz, there is. It's just very hard to find. When it is availalbe Moana Premium from Australia Kava Shop is one of the best kava types you will ever drink!
To wrap this up, in now way am I sinking the boots into people who drink this stuff. In a cost of living crisis price point matters. On top of this, if junk kava is all you know and you enjoy it, then who am I to stick it to you.
If you are really serious though about only drinking quality kava follow this simple check list:
What is the price - if it appears cheap... well you know...
Does the product have a COA with it... almost an essential requirement if you are serious about your health
Is the product being sold by long standing online vendor with a history of good verified reviews.
OK on that note - its time to start an early brew for a midday cyclone sesh!
