How long do KG's last you guys?

[kl.CharlieE1992]

Right... so my Boroguru arrived today which is awesome - can't wait to dig in tonight. I got a KG in total.


I'm trying to decide what the best way to prepare it would be, everything from water/kava ratios, whether I should let it soak etc. Never done this properly before so not too sure.


After reading prep methods on the Kava wiki and other threads on here, I'm thinking I'll go for about 60 grams of Kava (is that around 3 - 4 heaping tbsps?) to about 500ml (2 cups) of water? I'm in the UK so I believe when you guys say 'cups' that equals 236ml according to Google.


I'm planning to put the Kava in my Fijian strainer, pour the water in a bowl and let it soak for say half an hour. Then i'll knead it for a good 30 mins as well to get as much as I can out of it - does this sound about right?


One thing that sprung to mind though, is that if I'm using about 60grams per day, that means I'll only get 16 batches out of 1 KG. Is this normal? I remember reading a post by Krunkedout saying that he uses minimum 6 tablespoons for each batch and manages to stretch 1 pound (453 grams) to last him 3 - 4 weeks with almost daily drinking. This confuses me because if I'm using 60 grams per day, my KG is gonna disappear damn quickly! I'm also not too sure about how reusing the root works and how effective it is the second time - can it be reused the next day if I just leave it in the strainer bag?


Let me know if you guys think this is too much, especially seeing as it's my first time. The root as well as postage and customs charges ended up costing a pretty penny - luckily there's the new EU supplier starting up soon which is a good thing though.


Sorry for all the questions!

 

[The Kap'n]

Sounds normal to me! In fact that's pretty much my exact method. Works well, and has for years. If you're just starting out you'll have to work your way through the reverse tolerance phase, but the more, the better. On the back of a bag of nakamal @ home's kilo size they say it makes 15-18 servings I believe (I'll check when I get home), so you're right on the dot.

 

[Ed!]

If you haven't built up your hand strength a 30 minute knead will probably be more than you'll be willing to do, and likely isn't necessary. I generally knead for 15-20 minutes. On a first use that tends to be closer to 15 minutes because I do reuse my kava.


As for reuse I use a hot water technique that not everyone agrees with, but seems to work very well for me. I find that I can get two relatively equal uses out of my kava this way, and then there isn't much to be had in a third try. I still try to get something out of my kava a third time by storing up a few sessions worth, but I may give up on that because it is never as good, so I'm not sure it's worth the effort.


For reuse I just dump my kava contents from my strainer into a bowl, add a bit of water to make it mud and toss it in the fridge. It can site there a few days just fine before I'm ready to use it again.


Definitely do soak though, for as long as you feel like. General consensus seems to be a 30 minute soak is good enough.


Also, a lot of us blend and knead. I blend before I knead, others knead then blend then knead. I also blend before reuse, so I guess I kinda do the same.

 

[kl.CharlieE1992]

Thanks for the tips, that's helpful and good to know I can stick the kava in the fridge again for reuse!


I have a feeling our blender might be broken, I'll have to have a look after. Does blending help a lot when it comes to making strong Kava?

 

[krunkedout]

something isn't right here.. You say that 4 tablespoons is 60 grams? Using that much will definitely make your kilo go pretty fast! I just measured out 4 tablespoons of kava and put it on the scale and it says 26 grams. I have gotten about 16 servings out of a kilogram when I'm using 8 tablespoons a night.

 

[krunkedout]

When I make a 6 tablespoon batch I'm using about 40-45 grams of kava. A half cup of java weighed, not including the container is showing up at around 66grams

 

[kl.CharlieE1992]

Ah I'm probably getting confused - you're right 4 tablespoons can't be 60 grams.


I've got no scales so no idea how much a heaping tablespoon weighs unfortunately Thanks for them pictures though, it's given me a much better idea!

 

[krunkedout]

I use rounded tablespoons, my normal kava tablespoon looks like this

 

[kl.CharlieE1992]

Cheers krunked!


Just left my batch to soak for half an hour. Ended up just filling up half a cup of root (half of a 250ml cup) and added 2 cups water.


Think that should be a decent amount

 

[kl.midas]

Thanks for the pics, krunkedout., I often get confused by what counts for a tablespoon on here. I really need to get myself one of those tablespoon measures.

 

[kl.CharlieE1992]

Woah... been about 15 minutes since I downed my Kava - I'm feeling it big time! Loving it!


Didn't expect this from the first time!


Boroguru <3!


I feel as though I've had a good few pints of beer and a diazepam!

 

[krunkedout]

Glad you're feeling it! Some folks go through a month of drinking java before they feel anything! You must be one of the lucky ones

 

[kl.CharlieE1992]

Yeah i've heard - can't believe how well this has worked for me.


Love it!

 

[Bula Kava House]

Oh good, it arrived. Yes 4 parts water to 1 part kava is a good rule of thumb to start as I said in a previous post. Adjust from there to achieve desired potency. I'm glad you're getting such a nice effect so quickly.

 

[kl.CharlieE1992]

It was a little too strong really - felt very nauseous throughout, had some food and it's going away now though.


Tomorrow i'm gonna make a weaker batch, it was a bit too much tonight!


Cheers Judd

 

[krunkedout]

If you eat a meal about an hour and a half after u finish your bowl, it will usually take away all the stomach problems as well as boost your krunk up again

 

[kavadude]

Woah... been about 15 minutes since I downed my Kava - I'm feeling it big time! Loving it!


Didn't expect this from the first time!


Boroguru <3!


I feel as though I've had a good few pints of beer and a diazepam!

Yep, a half cup of boroguru will do that to ya...

 

[KavaKrunked]

Yep, a half cup of boroguru will do that to ya...

This.


Once you get more acclimated, give toss 'n wash a try.  One tablespoon gives me a stronger effect than 4-5 tbls in proper grog.


I wish I knew what a few pints and a diazepam felt like.  Every time I tried that combo, it was lights out.