We always receive a lot of questions about whether or not it is possible to make kava tea out of powdered or shredded kava root. You most definitely cannot, and should not, use the traditional methods used to brew a cup of tea!

Why is this? -  Well, without getting technical, active constituents in kava are destroyed at temperatures required for making tea. The active constituents (such as kavalactones; only one of the 25 active constituents in kava root) are ruined at only 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but a typical cup of tea steeps at 180 degrees or more for at least 3 to 5 minutes.  That few minutes of steeping is more than enough to destroy any of the desirable active constituents that were present in the kava when you started out.

Also, when most people refer to kava, they are actually referring to the root of the kava plant. The kava root is where the most active constituents reside, and the highest quality kava extract will only utilize pure kava root. You want to steer clear of kava that utilizes stems and peelings, as they will not produce the desired effects. At Kona Kava Farm, every one of our products is made with only the kava root, harvested from our all-natural organic family farm, and from plants aged more than four years to ensure maximum strength. The strain of kava root that we grow is called Mahakea, which is known for its superior strength. To throw out some more technical mumbo jumbo, our kava root has the most desirable (because of the strength associated with this specific strain) and sought-after 4-2-6 kavalactone chemotype.

As a result, we've done our absolute best to craft an entire line of kava products that will entice even the most apprehensive customer. They include our delicious Instant Kava Powder Mixes, which, of course, are meant to be enjoyed as cold teas and not hot ones!

One can make quite a delicious and healthy cold kava tea. This is simply a way to describe the process of extracting the active constituents from the kava root into water. 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. That is why we sell fine muslin bags to strain the kava. You can also add a pinch of soy lethicin to your kava tea while it's brewing to create a smoother texture and improve extraction of the kavalactones and other active constituents.

Just like normal tea – except no heat is used in the extraction - once you have steeped your drink for 10 to 15 minutes, you can squeeze all the liquid out of your solid material, and throw it away. Your kava tea should become opaque and turn light to medium brown as the kavalactones are extracted. While some people grow to like kava's earthy, resinous taste, others may prefer to add a touch of honey, cinnamon or other flavorings to their creation to improve the taste before drinking. Also, because Kona Kava Farm's sun-dried Mahakea kava tends to be naturally sweeter than other varieties, it makes an excellent cold kava tea!

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 that this plant is so versatile, that not only does it come in many forms, it is great for many different situations as well.

Many people who use kava find that it helps them focus, relax, and be more at ease in a social context*. These effects have been documented by the Pacific Islanders who have made kava use a part of their traditional customs. Kava helps one to calm as well as focus, and it is used by everyone from athletes to businessmen to those who just want to have a peaceful ending to their day*. Perhaps the best part about kava is that despite all of these benefits, it is completely non-addictive*.

Some South Pacific cultures actually do like to heat their kava drinks before consumption. For instance, on Hawaii hot stones are sometimes placed into bowls of prepared kava, then gently stirred around for a couple of minutes. The stones are then removed and the gently warmed kava is served as usual.

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 make the tea so you can sip away at your drink in your favorite place, if you are one of the rare few who actually enjoy sipping this herbal beverage!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease.