Ah, the process of making a cup of traditional kava—there’s nothing like it! From filling up the kava strainer bag to steeping to kneading, the entire kava-brewing process is familiar and comforting. If you’ve been drinking kava for a while, you may have accessories you love to use when making a cup of kava. But if you’re new to the kava community, you may need to try out different tools and methods of preparation to find which fit your needs best. The first kava staple to test is the almighty strainer bag.

What is a Kava Strainer Bag?

A kava strainer bag is exactly what its name says: it is a bag used to strain medium grind kava root. Sometimes called kava bags or kava tea bags, these bags are meant to keep root particles out of your drink but allow the kava to steep in the hot water. Strainer bags are typically used when preparing kava the traditional way. Unlike regular tea, kava needs to be kneaded and squeezed in water to allow kava’s active ingredient, kavalactones, to separate into the water. So, kava bags need to be durable enough to withstand being steeped in hot water and kneaded to release the kavalactones and excess water from the bag.

Types of Kava Straining Bags

Traditionally, kava bags were made out of plants like reed grasses, ferns, and coconut husks. Modern kava strainer bags are made out of natural and synthetic fabrics, and they work better to keep kava root out of your drink. At Kalm with Kava, we carry three types of bags for straining kava: muslin, synthetic, and authentic.

Muslin

These are one of the most simple, popular kava bags on the market. Our Organic Cotton Muslin Strainer Bags are our most affordable option for kava bags and are very easy to use. They are designed with a top drawstring so kava root will not come out of the top when you are kneading your kava. They also feature stitched seams to prevent splitting. These bags will last for multiple kava sessions, so they’re perfect if you make kava a couple of times a month. They measure 6 inches by 8 inches, so they are a convenient size for making kava for yourself or a friend.

Synthetic

Synthetic kava straining bags are the most durable option we offer at Kalm with Kava. These bags are more heavy-duty than the muslin bags, and they can last for several months. Our synthetic bags have a nylon screen of 100 microns, so they are excellent for straining kava and not letting excess kava root slip into your drink. These bags are also slightly bigger than our muslin bags, measuring 7.8 inches by 11.8 inches. If you enjoy more kava per serving or want to make kava for several friends, this bag might be your best option.

Authentic

Authentic is the only word to describe these kava bags; they are perfect for a traditional kava-making experience. These strainer bags are handmade in Fiji and are as authentic as it gets. They’re what locals in Fiji use to strain their kava (like Loa Waka®!) and usually feature unique colors and patterns. These are the biggest kava bags we offer, measuring at 10.5 inches by 15 inches. They’re the perfect size for a kava party! Note: We only offer these kava bags on special occasions, as they are directly sourced from Fiji. Stay tuned for updates on when these truly one-of-a-kind bags are in-stock!

How to Find the Best Kava Strainer for You

Sometimes choosing the best strainer comes down to personal preference, but there are a couple of factors to consider:

• The Amount of Kava Per Brew – Some kava bags are smaller than others. So how much kava you want per serving may depend on the bag size. If you are hosting a kava party, you may want to use one of our authentic kava bags, which are big enough to brew large amounts of kava at a time. For your regular cup of kava in the evening, our original muslin bags or synthetic bags may suit your needs best.
• How Often You Make Kava – Some bags last for more kava sessions than others. If you make kava multiple times a week, you may want to invest in synthetic kava strainers, which last for months. If you only make kava on special occasions, the muslin strainer bags may fit your needs best, as they last for multiple sessions.

Start Straining & Sipping: Buy Kava Today

There’s nothing like a freshly strained cup of kava to soothe your soul and relax your mind. To start relaxing the island way, shop our selection of medium grind kava—the perfect type of kava for your strainer bag! If you need a hand deciding which kava variety is the best for your needs, visit our kava variety selection tool—bula!