Enjoy a Kava Tasting in Vanuatu
What is
kava kava drink, served in Vanuatu nakamals?
Kava kava is traditionally served in a shell. It is made
from the root of a specific type of plant that is part of the pepper tree family. Melanesians have used this
drink for centuries as a relaxant. While kava is not a drink produced from alcohol, it is certainly
intoxicating. Historically, it was reserved as a drink for the chief and was primarily used in
ceremonies.
Be aware that kava drink is quite strong. If you have tried kava
in Fiji, you will find that
the kava served in Vanuatu is quite stronger. Most people find that a couple of
shells of kava drink are more than enough to produce relaxing benefits.
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Kava tasting is usually part of your Melanesian Feast Night experience, where
you get
served kava kava drink in traditional wooden bowls or disposable plastic glasses at bar.
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Kava
Plant
The Kava plant has long been admired for its muscle relaxing,
diuretic and anti insomnia properties. It has been used medicinally for centuries and is even being sold today for
its abilities to relax without causing any negative effects. Today in the United States the Federal Drug
Administration allows the herbal remedy to be imported freely and places no restriction on access to this sedative
like plant.
Many people who visit the native regions where the Kava plant grows,
generally the South Pacific islands, will have the opportunity to enjoy a kava
tasting experience. Much like a standard wine tasting, a Kava tasting will allow guests to sample the popular
beverage in its freshest state. While most people agree that it has the look and taste of somewhat muddy water,
there is no argument about the effects of the beverage. It is well regarded as a relaxant, and traditionally it is
the drink of men and not women, though this is a changing tradition in Melanesian cultures throughout the
region.
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Along with a buffet-style food, Feast night guests get to taste kava drink,
which is part of the ceremony, although this is purely optional. |
Kava
Drinking
Legend holds that the nation of Vanuatu is the original place where
Kava drinking first began. A formal Kava tasting experience in the country will require participants to visit a
“nakamal” (Kava bar) or attend an organized Kava tasting. They will be asked to
drink the beverage from a half coconut shell. Sometimes a ritual clapping procedure is done prior to dipping the
shell into the Kava, but this is not always the case. Official Kava ceremonies tend to take place at sunset, “Kava
time”, and this marks the end of the work day.
Most people say that the taste is not at all pleasurable, with a
slightly medicinal or licorice flavor, but that there is a nice “lifting” after the beverage is consumed. Many
visitors who attend a Kava tasting say that they had a mild case of the “giggles” and thoroughly enjoyed their
experience.
Kava in
Vanuatu
Today the nation of Vanuatu is working to create a strong Kava trade
within their country’s economy. Because of their reliance on foreign aid for many national programs, they desire a
shift to self reliance, and the popularity of Kava is allowing them to develop a fourth strong industry in addition
to the existing agricultural, fishing and tourist trades.
For travelers heading to Vanuatu it is a
great idea to fully experience the unique cuisine and culture of the region, and a Kava tasting is one event not to
be missed. They often occur in conjunction with a native inspired meal or dining event, and many resorts or hotels
can advise their guests on which to attend.
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