{"title":"Start Here","description":"\u003cp\u003eThree things that cover a first session: an instant to skip the straining, a traditional grind for when you want to knead, and the bag to do it with.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"melo-melo-single-cultivar-traditional-grind-kava","title":"Melo Melo Single Cultivar Traditional Kava","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePort Vila's Favourite: Warm, Relaxing, Deeply Pleasant\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most popular nakamal kavas in Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, Melo Melo lives up to its name with its pleasant, mellow character. This complex, balanced-heady cultivar features exceptionally high kavain content combined with a unique synergy of compounds that creates a warmer, deeper, and longer-lasting experience than purely heady varieties, the ultimate chillout kava.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharacter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced-heady with pleasant mental brightness combined with soft body relaxation. Bridges heady and heavy profiles beautifully. Known for a warm, mellow, enveloping character with steady build. Quick onset with moderate duration. Popular for lazy late afternoons, slow-paced conversations, meaningful hangouts, or sessions with good music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste \u0026amp; Aroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bitter-sweet and creamy, with notes of black pepper, wood, and toasted malt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional Grind Format:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peeled kava root ground into a medium-grind powder. Contains the root's indigestible fibres, so it needs to be kneaded and strained before drinking using a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kava-strainer-bag\" target=\"_blank\"\u003estrainer bag\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChemotype:\u003c\/strong\u003e 423156\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcessing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully washed, peeled, temperature-controlled drying\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaterals-to-stump:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural (30-70%)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKavalactone Ratios\u003c\/strong\u003e (batch averages):\u003cbr\u003eK to DHM: 5.73\u003cbr\u003eK to DHK: 1.22\u003cbr\u003eDHK to Y: 2.34\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kavasociety.nz\/blogs\/default-blog\/guest-post-deep-dive-into-kava-chemotypes\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWhat do these ratios mean? →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use ~16g per cup with 200-250ml water. Start with 2-3 cups per session. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kavasociety.nz\/pages\/how-to-prepare-kava\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eComplete preparation guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional grind offers fuller aroma and flavour complexity. For a convenient no-strain option, try our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/instant-kava\" target=\"_blank\"\u003einstant kava range\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kavasociety.nz\/pages\/types-and-forms-of-kava\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLearn more about kava forms\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Kava Society","offers":[{"title":"250g","offer_id":43468091326515,"sku":"SQMT0250","price":73.9,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500g","offer_id":43468091359283,"sku":"SQMT0500","price":139.12,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":43468091392051,"sku":"SQMT1000","price":260.86,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/4313\/5539\/files\/melo-trad-pouch_web.jpg?v=1783088158"},{"product_id":"kava-strainer-bag","title":"Kava Strainer Bag","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePossibly the best kava strainer bag on the market.\u003c\/strong\u003e We've experimented with heaps of different strainers and we are confident that this food-grade filter bag is simply perfect: tough, durable, re-usable, easy to wash and convenient. Use it with fine, noble kava powder to make a potent and yet smooth, easy-to-drink kava beverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: food-grade nylon mesh\u003cbr\u003eSize: approx. 30 × 20 cm\u003cbr\u003eReusable and machine washable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWash after every use: for best results machine wash at 60°C (ideally with an eco-friendly, fragrance-free detergent), or simply hand wash with soap and warm water. Air dry. With this routine a bag lasts a long time — replace it once the mesh shows wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional method:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add your kava to the bag and place it in an empty bowl. Pour warm water directly into the bag, let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the tougher fibres, then twist the top closed, press out the air, and knead the bag in the water for about 10 minutes, wringing it out regularly. Finish with a firm squeeze so no root particles escape into your beverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlender method:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blend kava and cold water (1g of powder per 15–20ml of water) on high for 3–4 minutes — a teaspoon of coconut oil can help extract the fat-soluble kavalactones. Pour the mixture through the strainer bag into a clean bowl and squeeze. Add a couple of ice cubes if you like, and enjoy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull step-by-step walkthrough in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kavasociety.nz\/pages\/how-to-prepare-kava\"\u003epreparation guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Kava Society","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43468091785267,"sku":"SQ0175962","price":13.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/4313\/5539\/files\/20180528_123534.jpg?v=1751791148"},{"product_id":"instant-green-kava","title":"Instant Green Kava","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Flagship Instant Blend: Balanced, Potent, Reliable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA harmonious blend made from selected noble Vanuatu cultivars of balanced and heady character. Perfect for beginners seeking a reliable benchmark before exploring single cultivars, or experienced drinkers wanting convenient, consistent results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharacter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced and heady-leaning, clear and bright with gentle mellowness, more cerebral than heavy without being one-dimensional. The higher lateral ratio (40:60 compared to our single cultivars' natural 30:70) creates a more pronounced initial character. Potent yet approachable; as close to fresh island kava as instant gets. Blend composition may vary slightly by batch, but we maintain the balanced, classic Vanuatu character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste \u0026amp; Aroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh and grassy with characteristic kava spice from the higher lateral content. Slightly peppery, smooth finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstant Format:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional kava powder contains coarse, woody fibres that must be strained out before drinking. For our instant kava, freshly harvested roots are washed, peeled, and have these fibres carefully removed prior to drying and milling into an ultra-fine powder. This is why you can enjoy it without any straining or kneading, just mix with water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Espiritu Santo + surrounding islands, Vanuatu\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypical Chemotype:\u003c\/strong\u003e 421365\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcessing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshly harvested roots, coarse fibres removed, temperature-controlled dehydration, precision milled\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaterals-to-stump:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40:60\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix 8g (1 heaping teaspoon or one sachet) per cup with 200-250ml water. Start with 2-3 cups per session. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kavasociety.nz\/pages\/how-to-prepare-kava\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eComplete preparation guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Instant processing prioritises convenience and consistency. Traditional grind offers fuller aroma and flavour complexity. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kavasociety.nz\/pages\/types-and-forms-of-kava\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLearn more about kava forms\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Kava Society","offers":[{"title":"40g (5x8g sachets)","offer_id":43468092506163,"sku":"SQIGSACH40","price":34.77,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":43468092538931,"sku":"SQ9470425","price":78.25,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false},{"title":"500g","offer_id":43468092571699,"sku":"SQIG0500","price":347.82,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/4313\/5539\/files\/instant-green-front-sq.png?v=1781100810"}],"url":"https:\/\/kavasociety.com\/collections\/start-here.oembed","provider":"The Kava Society","version":"1.0","type":"link"}