Making a kava beverage can be as easy as stirring a
spoonful of kava powder into a galss of water. However, to get the most from
your kava we recomend using your blender. Preparing kava this way helps to emulsify
the active ingredients (kavalactones) 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 seving for two people.
You may want more or less 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)Strain if a smoother drink is desired.
4)Drink slowly.
This
also makes a great iced drink.
*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 trditional 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 as
strong as that of the blender recipe given on your web page; 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!) 1 heaping
tablespoon carob powder (or substitute cocoa powder) 1 teaspoon granular lecithin
(optional sweeten further with honey or Stevia extract) Preparation: Blend
in blender on high for 2 minutes. Filter through a wire mesh colander.
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 spritual 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.
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 wonderfull
herb. Please, be responsible and don't drive if you are impaired!
| 
click to learn more about us
