KAVA: Preparation
Nuka Hiva Trading Company
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KAVA: Preparation |
The actual preparation of powdered kava is relatively simple......
Cold Method: Take two ounces (maybe two and a half)
of kava powder and place in a clean nylon stocking or a cheap
Tshirt. It's not exactly traditional, but in our experience it
works fine! Dunk and squeeze a dozen or more times in a bowl
containing approximately three cups of water. This should
make a nice strong brew, depending on the quality of the powder
you've used. It's now ready to drink.
Hot Method: Mix two parts of kava powder with eight parts of water, and place in a covered saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Turn off heat. Allow to cool, then strain it through a clean piece of cloth or nylon stocking, simultaneously squeezing out as much kava as you can. This method seems to increase the potency of the kava, and also allows it to keep, refrigerated, for about a week, without going sour.
Alternatively, you can bring the mixture to a simmer, decant it into a thermos bottle, and let it sit for several hours before starting the wringing/squeezing procedure.
Traditional Method: People sometimes ask us about the various "custom" methods of kava preparation used around the Pacific. We particularly like the way kava is prepared by the Micronesians of Pohnpei. The last time I had kava prepared this wy was here on the Big Island. I drank three of four cups and totally lost my motor control. It took four guys to load me into a pickup and take me home.
Here's how it's done. It's best to have two or more people involved in this method of preparation.
Take some fresh kava root and beat it to a pulp with a stone pounder on a solid slab. While it's being pounded, add handfuls of water to help break it down. When the root is reduced to a pulpy mass, cut some long lengths of hibiscus bark. Braid the lengths together and then wrap the braid around the pulpy mass. Keep adding water while twisting each end of the braid in opposite directions. A puddle of thick liquid will form on the slab. Keep twisting and dipping in the puddle for about 20 to 30 minutes. The end result will be a thick, gelatinous kava beverage that is very, very potent, and not for the fainthearted.
A Short Note About Ratios and Amounts: We are often asked about the proportions of powder and water that should be used. This depends on the effect desired, the body weight of the person and the strength of the kava powder. For example, you would use considerably less PNG powder than you would most others. We suggest the trial and error method, starting with a modest amount. You can always prepare more!
We've also come
up with the following brew, which tastes quite good and still provides the
desired effect.
6 tablespoons kava
3 teaspoons cinnamon
3 teaspoons cardamom
1 teaspoon nutmeg
pinch of allspice
Soak this mixture in two cups of hot water in cheesecloth or whatever for about half an hour. Wring and squeeze well. Reheat the liquid, add a cup of warm soy milk or rice milk, and add honey to taste. Delicious!
Please use kava responsibly. It's not
a good idea to mix kava and alcohol. It is also not a good idea to drive after
heavy use. Any questions, you can always contact us.
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Nuka Hiva Trading Company
P.O. Box 612, Pahoa, Hawaii 96778 - Phone 808-938-1796 or 808-430-9396