There is no real correct way of kneading kava, (per se) I've never heard of soaking as that naturally happens, as you begin to blend the kava in the water. I have to admit I used to use hot (tap) water for a long time but now I use cool/ room temp tap water. You get the same traditional extraction without affecting the flavor. I've noticed using cold water works just the same (best taste) just takes a few extra minutes of TLC kneading the kava. I like using room temp/cool Poland Spring water as well, (no chlorine taste).
Soaking before would rehydrate and make it easier to extract.
Soaking and kneading/squeezing have a real impact but many ways to do for sure.
I personally soak before preparation to get the best of it even if I do not use hot water because I do not enjoy it like that.
Some knead with hot water then put it in fridge as well to drink it cold so they extract more and easier during prep.
I did the try many times and I cannot say soaking is not important and even more for PSL kava - this is link to concentration and extraction.
ahah I am not saying I know better than anyone, I do not want to hurt anyone feelings obviously
I will always keep learning but I know the preparation can change the outcome of a kava and not slightly.
To let you know, I am asking to all our kava bars clients to do as said before, I would not if I had not tried many many ways because I do not advise things if I am not sure this is the best I know. I want our clients to have the best to serve so I care about their prep. I am just sharing here then I know everyone have his favorite way of doing too. I do not look to impose anything to the community so far
Someone could find a better way obviously - it will happen and I would love it if it get the trad prep easier. So far, soaking and squeezing (not kneading only) brought the best results to me and all our testers in terms of effects strength.
Many ways to prepare, each should bring something anyways then it is important to keep in mind the waste from each prep.
A prep into mixer would work too, I tried that too and many weird ways to do ahah but again this is not the stronger so far, it is quick though ahahahah! I do not want to give this kind of ideas for prep but that was an example of tries I did ahah!
We all are looking for the most efficient way to prep because this has a big impact on the final outcome.
I tried everything crossing my mind to prep lol and I will be keen to try some more if anyone has idea for something to do. You can tell me and I would do a feedback on it.
For now, I reckon to use as I said in my last text when I do a dry kava for myself to chill because this is yet the best way found by myself and our team.
If I would not be in Vanuatu and having this amount of kava (yes we do not mind much the waste here - I guess all countries exporting is same), I would care about my waste. I would soak and do 2 hands squeeze plus kneading. When I say squeeze, I mean it, like you squeeze a towel soak of water. Give a try if you only knead and tell me what you guys think about it, if you feel a difference on your side.
(by the way, I try to share with you guys. I do not call myself the kava god, king, master or anything and I would be very pleased to hear someone giving a prep method working better than the one I use to be honest)
- Alex