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We get a lot of questions
about whether or not it is possible to make kava tea out
of powdered or shredded kava. Well, you certainly can’t
make a traditional cup of it out of kava because the active
ingredients in kava are destroyed at such a low
temperature. (They're destroyed at only 140
degrees
Fahrenheit!) The typical cup of tea steeps at 180 degrees
or more for at least five minutes; enough to destroy any
active ingredient that may have been present when you
started.
But, one can make quite a delicious and healthy cold
kava tea. This is simply another way to describe the
process of extracting the active ingredients from the
kava root into a liquid such as water or milk. Both
are great for extracting, since kavalactones leech into
either quite well. But, anything fatty is the best
choice, whether it's cows milk, soy milk, or
coconut milk. Be careful with traditional tea
strainers though; the mesh is not fine enough to hold in
the kava tea, and too much will escape into your cup.
Just like normal tea, once you have steeped your drink
for a while, you can squeeze all the liquid out of your
solid material, and throw it away. Then, sit back,
relax, and enjoy your creation at night, before going to
sleep, while spending time with a loved one, or even at
a party with your friends. The truth is, is that this
plant is so versatile, that not only does it come in
many forms, it is great for many different situations as
well.
If you absolutely must make kava tea out of your
personal supply, there is one way to make something that
is warm, but not hot. Crock Pots, on their lowest
setting, will gently heat anything at 120 degrees.
This is still cool enough to not destroy the active
components, but hot enough to sip away at your drink in
your favorite place, if you are one of the rare few who
actually enjoy sipping this herbal beverage! |
