Puariki

Puariki is a rare cultivar grown almost exclusively on the remote island of Tongoa, in the Shepherd Islands group of Vanuatu. The name means “small kava” in the local language. Plants grow slowly, reaching only 10 to 25 kilograms at maturity after five to seven years. Tongoan farmers consistently name Puariki as their favourite cultivar.

Genetically close to the legendary Kelai, with an aromatic character that is complex, layered, and rewarding of attention. Sourcing Puariki requires dedicated trips to Tongoa. Future availability cannot be promised. This is a limited release.

True instant is made by wet-processing fresh kava roots and dehydrating the liquid into a powder. The process concentrates the kavalactones (kava’s signature compounds, largely responsible for its colour), so colour per gram is more intense than traditional grind. Some of the lighter aromatic compounds soften during drying, so the scent reads more subdued. Dissolves cleanly in water with no straining required.

Genetically close to the legendary Kelai, with an aromatic character that is complex, layered, and rewarding of attention. Sourcing Puariki requires dedicated trips to Tongoa. Future availability cannot be promised. This is a limited release.

True instant is made by wet-processing fresh kava roots and dehydrating the liquid into a powder. The process concentrates the kavalactones (kava’s signature compounds, largely responsible for its colour), so colour per gram is more intense than traditional grind. Some of the lighter aromatic compounds soften during drying, so the scent reads more subdued. Dissolves cleanly in water with no straining required.

Genetically, Puariki is one of the closest relatives of the legendary Kelai – making it an excellent alternative for those who appreciate that cultivar.

Sourcing Puariki requires dedicated expeditions to the island, often involving chartered aircraft to transport freshly harvested plants to the processing facility on Santo before they lose their freshness. This is a strictly limited release – future availability is uncertain.

Sold in accordance with EU regulations exclusively for aromatherapy and natural textile dyeing applications.

• Island of Origin: Tongoa, Vanuatu
• Typical Chemotype: 423156
• Processing: Instant – fully washed and peeled roots; active root fraction separated from insoluble fibres, dehydrated to a fine, uniform powder
• Aromatic Profile: Fresh and slightly zesty with warm, earthy undertones and subtle spice. Clean and lifted character
• Pigment Colour: Warm golden-amber to rich tan

Quality Guaranteed by the Kava Society (New Zealand) Kava Europe is proud to be the exclusive European distributor of the Kava Society’s exceptional kava. This is truly the best kava in the world. Unlike most kava on the market – poorly dried and cleaned roots of unknown origin – each Kava Society batch is processed from freshly harvested plants using pioneering methods that preserve maximum freshness while ensuring absolute purity. Every batch undergoes rigorous laboratory testing with certificates of analysis. This is the exact same premium kava sold in New Zealand, meeting all New Zealand quality and safety regulations. When you choose our products, you’re getting kava as it should be – fresh, pure, and properly identified.

Also, check our kava t-shirts and accessories.