With our ever growing line of Kava products due to high demand, we decided to write up this little article on recipes that would be useful for you kava fans.
Kava: The Drink of Peace
In the South Pacific the preparation and consumption of kava is an important social occasion that that requires respect and ritual. While you may not get so elaborate, you can create a setting that will enhance your kava experience. In the South Pacific kava is used is used to “evoke an atmosphere of relaxation and easy sociability” as in the Nakamals (kava bars) of Vanuatu. It is also used as a means to spiritual inspiration. Some of our customers like a cup of kava before meditation or yoga practice.
The late afternoon is an excellent time to enjoy the social/recreational aspects of kava. Here at our house 4:30 is the time for us to relax and refresh ourselves with a few cups of kava. One day a week we have a regular kava circle. A place for friends to unwind and “talk story”. We usually drink 3-6 coconut cups of kava over a period of one to two hours. Drinking kava like this is relaxing to the body and slightly stimulating to the mind. While its great for conversation, I would not suggest it before going to bed. The stimulation that comes with drinking larger amounts tends to keep most people awake, not to mention its diuretic properties! If you are using kava for sleep, start out with a small amount. Many times people find just a teaspoon mixed in water is enough to help them sleep.
Making a kava beverage can be as easy as stirring a spoonful of kava powder into a glass of water. To get the most from your kava root powder, we recommend using your blender. Preparing kava this way helps to emulsify the active ingredients (kavalactone resins) so they will be absorbed easily and quickly in your stomach.
Easy Blender Recipe
This method of preparation is our favorite. It is the very best way to get the most out of your kava. This is a suggested serving for two people.
You may want to use more or less water according to your taste. Leftovers will last several days in the refrigerator.
1) Place 3 Tbs. kava in the blender with 3 cups of water
2) Blend on high for one minute.
3) We highly recommend that you strain your kava through a strainer bags (or a fine tea strainer) for a smoother tasting and more pleasant drink.
4) Drink slowly. This will allow some of the lactones to be absorbed directly into mucus membranes of your mouth for immediate effects. It will also cause more of the pleasant tingling sensation that kava is famous for.
This also makes a great iced drink. In fact, one of the best ways to make kava taste better is to put the prepared drink in the refrigerator for a few hours and drink cold . Leaving it in the fridge overnight seems to mellow the taste even more.
*You may want to add a tsp. of granular lecithin or 1 tsp vegetable oil. This helps to emulsify the kavalactones in the water. it also makes for a smoother tasting drink.
A few slices of fresh ginger root added to the blender is also interesting. You will probably want to strain out the ginger pulp.
Some people like to sweeten it with a bit of honey. Maple syrup is also a favorite. We even have a customer that claims rose petals are the best flavoring!
There are many creative ways to enjoy Kava. Make up your own favorite recipe!
The “Dunking Cloth” Method
This is the method is most often used in the South Pacific. This method is used when doing a traditional kava ceremony using a Tanoa (kava bowl). One cup of ground Kava root is placed in a cloth bag or wrapped in the center of a cloth. A dish towel can be used. Place cloth in a bowl with about a quart of water. Keeping the Kava root within the cloth, knead with fingers and fist for until water takes on the color of coffee with cream and a slightly foamy surface. This can take about 5-10 minutes. Pour off liquid for drinking. This amount will serve one to four people. The process can be repeated with the same bag of Kava. The second rinse being more dilute.
A very creative recipe from one of our customers.
His comment:” This drink tastes much like chocolate milk. The kava effect is strong; however the taste is much more pleasant. I did not like the taste of kava until I tried this recipe.”
3 heaping tablespoons powdered kava root 3 cups Soy Beverage (non-GMO!) or Hemp Seed Milk, 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa or carob powder 1 teaspoon granular lecithin (optional sweeten further with honey or Stevia extract) if desired. Preparation: Blend in blender on high for 2 minutes. Strain and drink.
There are many ways to enjoy kava. The setting, time of day, as well as amount consumed, all influence the effects that you will feel from drinking kava. I hope that the information found here on our web site will help you to get the most out of your kava experience and inspire you to find new ways to enjoy this wonderful herb. Please, be responsible and don’t drive if you are impaired!
