Kava Preparation Basic Kava Preparation

[Steve Mariotti]

My prep used to be more complicated, but now it's basically just:

1. Soak ground root until mixed and wet. Probably like 5 minutes, or for coarser grinds like KWK Borongoru, 10 minutes.
2. Squeeze the living fuck out of it for 15 minutes until my forearms are on fire.
3. Drink.

I notice no difference from more complicated prep procedures involving lecithin, other fats, blending in a blender, etc. I tend to use warm water to get the lipids moving a little, but I don't think even that matters. I've used room temperature water with pretty much the same results. I've used boiling water with the same results, though the resulting grog is a little slimier.

So I'm with @blindy107, those aren't necessarily hard and fast rules that seem to bear out any optimality but rather common suggestions that make some sense, but may not actually matter.

 

[50ShadesOfKava]

I usually blend in hot water and let sit for 5+min before moving to step 2, the only thing I've been doing differently lately is adding a chunk of ginger root to the blender, it seems to curb nausea singnificantly. Sometimes I squeeze with the other hand, it makes it feel like someone else is doing it.

 

[The Kap'n]

I usually blend in hot water and let sit for 5+min before moving to step 2, the only thing I've been doing differently lately is adding a chunk of ginger root to the blender, it seems to curb nausea singnificantly.

Another bit of anecdotal evidence suggesting someone should begin carrying kava mixed with a bit of ginger powder. @Judd Rench

 

[50ShadesOfKava]

Amazon product At this price, I'd rather just add it myself.

 

[The Kap'n]

Wow, yeah. I have a feeling this could be done much more cheaply at home. Still would be a novel product for any of our vendors here to carry, just as long as it doesn't approach Wakaya's pricing.