So you’ve read about kava, you found a great source and are considering grabbing some, but aren’t entirely sure where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to your options and how to prepare them, so you have all the information you need to make the right decision for the best possible experience with this wonderful botanical alternative to alcohol for social or relaxing situations. 

 Noble vs Tudei kava- what’s the difference? And what do the terms “Traditional”, “Instant Micronized”, and “Poly Gold” mean to me as a consumer? 

When it comes to kava, there are two main varieties and many sub-varieties. This is an important aspect of enjoying kava on a daily basis. The two main varieties,  Noble and Tudei, are vital to educate yourself on before diving into the kava culture.  Tudei is much stronger and NOT something that should be enjoyed on a regular basis. It has been used for ceremonial purposes for a long time in the Pacific Islands, and can be much harsher on the liver when consumed regularly. Noble kava is still effective, but not nearly hard on the liver- and safe to consume on a regular basis (generally speaking, we cannot advise on the safety of kava consumption for those with medical conditions or those who take medications, so consult with your physician if you fit into these categories before you bring kava into your routine). Be sure when shopping for ANY kava products to ensure that you are purchasing Noble kava, as this goes for traditional, instant, or micronized options. 

Now that we know we need to look for Noble kava in particular- we can discuss the different options available within that Noble variety itself. There are many different kinds of Noble kava, with the names most often simply denoting the region they originate from. More often than not, you will only see different options as far as strains go when shopping for traditional kava though. Largely speaking, Fiji kava is used to make instant and poly gold products. 

 –Traditional kava will simply consist of the coarsely ground root of the Piper methysticum (kava) plant. This option requires a specific brewing method, and will not be effective if simply consumed after soaking in water. Kneading, washing and squeezing  is required to release the kavalactones (the active organic compounds that create the wonderful effects this plant has to offer) from the plant matter, thus ‘activating’ the resulting liquid that is then consumed. 

– Instant micronized kava is made by brewing the traditional kava and then dehydrating it, resulting in a powder, and then grinding that down into a fine resulting product, which then can simply be mixed into any beverage. 

–Poly gold  is a term used for a kava extract, which is typically made by using a CO2 or solvent extraction method which removes the kavalactones from the plant matter resulting in a fine, lighter tasting water soluble powder that can also be mixed into any drink. Purists will tell you that traditional kava has the best effects and experience, while others prefer the ease, convenience and taste of the poly gold. It is largely a personal preference, but all 3 have plenty to offer and present a wide range of options for enjoying kava in many different ways.

Brewing traditional Kava with Hot Brew, 2 wash method-

What to gather-

-Traditional, coarsely ground Kava root- We recommend using 28 g per 32 oz of water, 100  g for a gallon, or 400g for 5 gallons. Make sure you are using NOBLE variety kava for regular consumption. 

-Hot water- temp of at least 160 degrees F is optimal

-Strainer bag, cheesecloth, an old t-shirt, or large tea bag- this will be used to contain the kava root, and strain out the larger particles leaving only the smooth liquid and ‘mud’, or finer plant matter. A fine sieve may also be used but can be tricky and a bit messier than using a strainer bag.

-A large, clean bucket or bowl to use for kneading.

-A coconut cup, or other drinking receptacle that will easily hold up to 8 oz of liquid. Many refer to portions of traditional kava liquid as ‘shells’ as it is traditionally drunk from coconut shells or ceremonial cups, in 8 oz portions. Ultimately, any cup will do, and you’re more than welcome to drink it in smaller portions as well! Preferences range from person to person. 

1. Line bucket with your strainer bag, 
2. Weigh out corresponding amount of traditional kava for the amount of water you are using
3. Add hot water to the bucket, ensuring all the kava remains in the bag and the plant matter is submerged in the hot water.
4. Stick the entire bucket in the refrigerator or cover with lid in a cool place out of the way for at least 3 hours, leave to steep.
5. Remove the bucket from the fridge and perform the ‘first squeeze,’ kneading, dunking and squeezing the strainer bag for 10 minutes. You will notice the water changing color and starting to feel a bit oily. These are both signs that the plant matter is releasing the kavalactones, and a great indicator that you’re on your way to a wonderful batch of kava!
6. Put the bucket back into the fridge, with plant matter submerged in water, and leave overnight to steep. 
7. Perform a ‘second squeeze,’ again kneading, dunking and squeezing the liquid out of the bag into the bucket for about 5 minutes.
8. Once done, squeeze the bag one final time ensuring all the liquid is removed from the plant matter in the strainer bag, discard the plant matter inside your bag and rinse it out, leave to dry. 
9. You can return the kava to the fridge to serve later, or enjoy right away! 

Brewing Traditional Kava with the Cold brew method (faster)-

What to gather-

-Traditional, coarsely ground Kava root- We recommend using 28 g per 32 oz of water, 100  g for a gallon, or 400 g for 5 gallons. Make sure you are using NOBLE variety kava for regular consumption. 

-Cold water

-Strainer bag, cheesecloth, an old t-shirt, or large tea bag- this will be used to contain the kava root, and strain out the larger particles leaving only the smooth liquid and ‘mud’, or finer plant matter. A fine sieve may also be used but can be tricky and a bit messier than using a strainer bag.

-A large, clean bucket or bowl to use for kneading.

-A coconut cup, or other drinking receptacle that will easily hold up to 8 oz of liquid. Many refer to portions of traditional kava liquid as ‘shells’ as it is traditionally drunk from coconut shells or ceremonial cups, in 8 oz portions. Ultimately, any cup will do, and you’re more than welcome to drink it in smaller portions as well! Preferences range from person to person. 

1. Begin by placing the ground kava root into your strainer bag or other straining tool. 
2. Place the filled strainer bag in your empty bowl or bucket and begin pouring your cold  water into the bag, ensuring the kava remains inside the bag. 
3. Next, twist the top of the straining bag, removing any air from the top. Submerge the bag in the rest of your cold water and begin kneading the bag while closed.
4. Continue kneading the bag until you notice the water changing color and starting to feel a bit oily. These are both signs that the plant matter is releasing the kavalactones, and a great indicator that you’re on your way to a wonderful batch of kava. In addition to kneading, dunking and squeezing are also important! The more water that flows through the plant matter the better, and will lead to a stronger brew! Knead/dunk/squeeze for approximately 10 minutes total. 
5. Once done, squeeze the bag firmly to extract all water from your straining bag.
6. Be sure to stir thoroughly before pouring servings- you will notice a ‘muddy’ sediment at the bottom and this is completely normal and desired when drinking traditional kava, so stirring will ensure that you are getting a complete serving each time. 

Brewing using the ‘easy blender method’- Great for those with diminished hand strength or arthritis 

1. Measure kava into blender and add cold water
2. (Optional) Add 1 TBSP of coconut oil or lecithin to help aid in the extraction of the kavalactones
3. Blend on high for 3-4 minutes or until fully blended
4. Using a strainer bag or fine mesh sieve, strain the resulting mixture into a pitcher or bowl, removing any large pieces of plant matter from your liquid. 
5. Serve as is or chilled in 4-8 oz portions, storing any leftover liquid in the fridge for up to a week! 

Optional- Orange or pineapple slices, or juice to chase with. Any fruity beverage will do, and as kava has its own, very distinct taste, this may help make the experience more enjoyable for you. You can also add honey, agave or coconut/almond milk to balance out the earthy, spicy flavor. But we prefer the real thing! It’s part of the experience!  

For best results, enjoy kava on an empty stomach!

Enjoy your kava in 4-8 oz servings! You can chill it further before drinking or drink right away, whichever you find you prefer. Allow 15-20 min between servings until you know how you will respond to it, and remember that kava has a reverse tolerance to it- meaning the more frequently you enjoy it, the less you will need to feel effects. Any kava you have left can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.  

How to enjoy Micronized/Instant Kava-

The beauty of the extra work that goes in beyond the scenes when it comes to instant kava means that brewing is completely unnecessary! Simply mix 6 g into at least 12 oz of any non-alcoholic, non carbonated beverage and enjoy. Keep in mind that the plant matter left behind is not only completely safe to ingest, but is part of the final product, and will yield a better overall experience, so no need at all to strain this type of kava. 

How to enjoy Poly Gold Kava Extract-

Much like Instant kava, all that’s needed to prepare Poly Gold is simply stirring it into any non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage. It is particularly useful for mixing into juice or mocktails, as the taste of Poly Gold is much more palatable and unsuspecting than that of Traditional and Instant kava. No need to chase or sweeten it up with this option, as the resulting drink will be much easier to enjoy and mix into all kinds of fun concoctions. 

Now that you know the basics of enjoying kava at home, we hope you enjoy it! We love seeing the BULA spirit reach all kinds of people. Whether it’s your next backyard bbq or just a great way to wind down after a long day, kava is surely a wonderful botanical delight to add to your life! 

Photo Credit: Joanna Wnuk/Getty Images