KAVA RECIPES

      As an 'awa drinker, pay attention to the variety you are enjoying and to the effect it is having on you. In some ways, learning to drink 'awa is like developing a discerning appreciation for wine. However, with 'awa, in addition to variations in taste and smell, the different combinations of Kavalactones in the many varieties, produce differences in the psychoactive effects, some are quite subtle. There are hundreds of species of Kava in the world and they are all great and have a unique history. Finding ones favorite Awa would be nothing less than a fun filled adventure.

       Jungle Juice Recipes       

Cocoawa: Blend 4tbs Kava with 8oz Coconut milk strain and enjoy.
 Cocoa Kava: Blend 4tbs Kava with 8oz water, strain. Add 1/4 cup high cocoa
     content chocolate and blend again.
Cinnamon Honey Kava: Blend 4tbs Kava with 8oz water, strain, add 1tbs
     honey, 1tsp cinnamon, 4 ice cubes and blend again.
Lemon-Lime Kava: Blend 4tbs Kava with 1 Cup water, strain, add 1/8 cup lime
     or lemon juice and 1tbs Honey.
Fast & Tasty: Blend 4tbs of Kava with 8oz of any fruit or vegetable juice,
     Strain and enjoy.
Traditional Preparation
     Strain the dried 'awa powder in water. In Hawai'i the strainer is often a nylon stocking, cheesecloth or one gallon paint strainer. Figure on 1 to 2 ounces of powder per person. Place the powder into the strainer bag, hold its edges together at the top with your hand so that none of the whole powder escapes and immerse the bag into a bowl of cool water. The amount of water will vary according to taste but a good rule of thumb is 2 ounces to a quart of water. Use your hand to knead the awa under the water or bring the strainer out and squeeze then immerse it again in the water. The 'awa should feel oily at first which is due to kavalactone levels. Keep repeating this process until the 'awa in your strainer no longer feels oily. The water should take on the appearance of mud. Traditionally, each serving of this prepared 'awa is swallowed in one or two quick gulps from a coconut shell and always with thoughts of thanks giving. It is a good idea to space serving at least 10 minutes apart as the Kavain, the kavalactone highest in most Hawaiian 'awa varieties is usually felt quite soon after drinking, but other kavalactones effects may not register for 20 minutes or so.

     Modern Kava Drink. Suit to taste. Approximately 4 Tablespoons of Kava and 8 oz (1/2 cup) water per drink. Add the kava and water in a blender for about 4 minutes. Pour mixture into a nylon sieve or cheese cloth, squeeze excess liquid into a bowl. Discard pulp and enjoy.
Never boil Kava when making beverages as it will destroy the potency.