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title: Preparing Kava

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https://rootandpestlekava.com.au/optimising-the-squeeze/

### **A Concise Guide to Preparing the Best Kava**

This guide summarizes the article's research-backed method for a potent, authentic, and pleasant-tasting kava beverage.

#### **What You'll Need**

*   **High-Quality Kava Powder:** The foundation of good kava.
*   **A Scale & Measuring Cup:** For consistent, repeatable results.
*   **A Proper Kava Straining Bag:** Avoids excess sediment and waste.
*   **Water:** Clean, potable water.
*   **A Large Bowl:** For kneading and serving.
*   **Gloves (Optional):** To keep hands clean and prevent dryness.

#### **The Golden Ratio**

*   **Powder to Water:** Use **62.5 grams of kava powder per 1 liter of water**. Adjust this ratio to achieve your desired strength.

#### **Step-by-Step Preparation**

1.  **Measure Accurately:** Weigh your kava powder and measure your water precisely. Eyeballing leads to inconsistent results.

2.  **Use Warm Water:** The optimal water temperature is **24-30°C (75-86°F)**.
    *   **Colder water** produces a lighter, less bitter kava.
    *   **Hotter water** (>40°C / 104°F) increases thickness and bitterness without adding potency.

3.  **Combine & Secure:** Place the kava powder in the straining bag and submerge it in the water. Twist the top of the bag, fold the twist over, and tie the drawstring tightly around it to prevent any powder from leaking out.

4.  **Knead and Squeeze:** Submerge the bag and continuously knead and squeeze it with moderate intensity, like you're kneading dough, for **5-6 minutes**. Squeezing longer only adds thickness, not strength. Finish with a final, strong wring-out of the bag.

#### **Key Tips for the Best Results**

*   **Use Water Only:** Adding fats like milk or oil *reduces* kavalactone extraction and worsens the taste.
*   **Avoid Blenders:** Hand-kneading is more effective at extracting kavalactones and produces a much better-tasting beverage.
*   **Do a Single Squeeze:** The first wash extracts the vast majority of the "good stuff." Subsequent washes result in a significantly weaker, more diluted drink.
*   **Stir Before Every Serving:** The active compounds settle quickly. Stir the kava in the bowl before pouring each cup to ensure consistent potency.

#### **How to Consume**

*   Drink kava on an empty stomach for the best effects.
*   Serve in small cups (about half a coffee mug) and drink in full gulps, don't sip.
*   Wait 10-20 minutes between servings.