Another Prep question

[Steph]

I have a pretty nice blender, so I really don't want to ruin it. Has anyone ever used an "immersion blender"? I have one someone bought me quite a few years ago, and I've only used it once when making soup. They are pretty powerful for a hand held utensil. I'm wondering how this would be for using with kava.

 

[HeadHodge]

I have a pretty nice blender, so I really don't want to ruin it. Has anyone ever used an "immersion blender"? I have one someone bought me quite a few years ago, and I've only used it once when making soup. They are pretty powerful for a hand held utensil. I'm wondering how this would be for using with kava.

Not sure if you mean stick blender. But if you do, someone here has posted they work great as an alternative to a blender, even for thick grog

 

[blindy107]

Yeah it's the same appliance. I haven't used mine for kava but I imagine it's fine. Creating the agitation needed to "emulsify" your grog is all you really need.

Now if you had a vitamix or something that actually ruptures the cell walls it could be a different experience.

 

[RobbW]

Hello, newbie member here and my first post. I haven't actually tried kava yet. My first-ever order of kava is a pound of Pouni Ono from KWK. It's scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. Can't wait to try it out.

Anyway, I have NutriNinja Pro blender that I use frequently to make awesomely smooth smoothies. It is supposed to be one of those types of blenders like the Vitamix that ruptures the cell walls. I plan to try using this blender for some Toss n' Wash preparations. I'm hoping I can develop a few good recipes using the NNP blender and different fruits, juices, and coconut milk.

Has anyone else used one of these NutriNinja type blenders before?

 

[The Kap'n]

@RobbW I love the quote under your avatar.

So you're new to kava? Welcome aboard! I hope you're one of the elite kava drinkers who love the taste. If not.....Welcome aboard! lol, its taste is something otherworldly, but its effects are too

 

[RobbW]

@RobbW I love the quote under your avatar.

So you're new to kava? Welcome aboard! I hope you're one of the elite kava drinkers who love the taste. If not.....Welcome aboard! lol, its taste is something otherworldly, but its effects are too

Thanks for the kind welcome, Kap'm! Yes, I have not tried it yet but plan to after all the Halloween festivities are through tomorrow. I've read lots about the off-putting taste of kava and am looking forward to seeing if it's as bad as described. I'm the type of person who can usually stomach pretty much any taste if there is a particular outcome I find desirable. I have had no problem developing a taste and appreciation for other consumables that people sometimes find distasteful, e.g. wine, beer, coffee, balsamic vinegars, odd food combinations, etc. I'm hopeful the flavor of kava is something I can easily adjust to.

 

[The Kap'n]

Thanks for the kind welcome, Kap'm! Yes, I have not tried it yet but plan to after all the Halloween festivities are through tomorrow. I've read lots about the off-putting taste of kava and am looking forward to seeing if it's as bad as described. I'm the type of person who can usually stomach pretty much any taste if there is a particular outcome I find desirable. I have had no problem developing a taste and appreciation for other consumables that people sometimes find distasteful, e.g. wine, beer, coffee, balsamic vinegars, odd food combinations, etc. I'm hopeful the flavor of kava is something I can easily adjust to.

I think you'll be just fine. I'm one of those people with the sensitivity to bitter tastes. I tried to force myself to drink coffee, have failed every time. Too much bitterness for me.

Kava....is a bitter beast, but once you get your technique of drinking it down, it's no problem at all

Knowing what you told me above, if I can do it, you can do it!

I hope you enjoy kava. It's changed a lot of lives around here.

 

[RobbW]

I think you'll be just fine. I'm one of those people with the sensitivity to bitter tastes. I tried to force myself to drink coffee, have failed every time. Too much bitterness for me.

Kava....is a bitter beast, but once you get your technique of drinking it down, it's no problem at all

Knowing what you told me above, if I can do it, you can do it!

I hope you enjoy kava. It's changed a lot of lives around here.

I actually love the taste of coffee! I only drink it black and unsweetened. I enjoy tasting all the subtle flavors in the different varieties. So much so that I actually started roasting my own coffee. So, I'm guessing by your comments that if I actually like the taste of coffee, I shouldn't have a problem with the bitter flavor of kava.

I'm definitely hoping kava will change my life, or more exact, my perception of life. I've been on a years-long search for a legitimate, legal way to relax. I'm constantly wound tight and never feel like I can relax. I'd like something I can sip and enjoy throughout the evening (like a fine glass of wine) that will help take the edge off and help me relax and feel peaceful. That "something" used to be alcohol, usually red wine and lots of it, for years. I completely quit drinking 4+ years ago and have been looking for an equivalent replacement that would not have all the negatives that come with alcohol. I'm hoping kava can become that "something" for me.

Okay, time for me to get back on topic with regards to preparation. I have been reading up a lot on different methods of preparation, and it seems that the most preferred, dependable, potent method is the traditional kneading method. Unfortunately, being married with two young, active daughters, I do not have a lot of time to spend kneading large stockings full of kava for hours on end. So, I'm hoping to find quick methods that might be nearly as good as the traditional method. That's why I asked if anyone has used one of these extraction blenders for kava preparation. I'm wondering if they will be able to pulverize the kava powder in water/juice/whatever enough that you could just drink it straight without having to strain it?

 

[The Kap'n]

@RobbW drinking kava unstrained may lead to side effects such as upset stomach, gas, and pretty heavy nausea. What you can do in turn is blend your kava, then strain it through a traditional strainer and give it a good squeeze. This will take out the "makas" (root fibers) that cause the negative side effects. If you don't have the time to fully knead a batch of kava (quite a few people here are in the same boat) I would suggest trying instant kavas as well. The vendors here have an excellent array of instant kavas.

In regards to relaxing, and replacing alcohol, I think you're in exactly the right place.

 

[RobbW]

Thank you for the advice, Kap'm. Can't wait to try it out!

 

[Blippy5]

I think an immersion blender would work, but not as well. I have used a regular blender a few times. Unless you make it very thick, I don't see it causing a problem. Search for the thread- the c... Something method. I forget the acronym. It was in general discussion not long ago. I gave up on the blender because it became more work to clean up for me.

With practice traditional prep can be quicker. I spend about 20-25 mins to make a batch for two days. I do three good washes, and always feel like I've extracted it all.

Edit- I found it. http://kavaforums.com/forum/threads/ctahr-extraction-method.5686/

 

[Steph]

I think an immersion blender would work, but not as well. I have used a regular blender a few times. Unless you make it very thick, I don't see it causing a problem. Search for the thread- the c... Something method. I forget the acronym. It was in general discussion not long ago. I gave up on the blender because it became more work to clean up for me.

With practice traditional prep can be quicker. I spend about 20-25 mins to make a batch for two days. I do three good washes, and always feel like I've extracted it all.

Edit- I found it. http://kavaforums.com/forum/threads/ctahr-extraction-method.5686/

If you keep it for two days, does the texture of it change or is it pretty much the same? (traditional prep) I guess what I mean is does it go down as "easy" as the first day?

 

[Blippy5]

I keep it in a bottle with a lid, so I can shake it before I drink. To me, the second day doesn't have noticeable difference when stored in the refrigerator. On rare occasions I will drink it on a 3rd day, I think it tastes a little worse then, but not too much worse.