In recent times we are seeing how the market is getting full of new products, substances, and superfoods that can help with several conditions. Many of these products are new to most people. So, many times consumers don’t know how to take them or what to do with them once they receive them at home. Additionally, many of these products have a strong flavor that some users may find difficult to handle. This is the case with substances such as kratom or kava. In today’s article, we’ll focus on kava, its properties, and effects and, especially on its taste. What does it taste like? How to mask kava’s taste? Let’s see more about it below.
What is Kava?
Kava or kava kava is a plant that belongs to the pepper family, in fact, its scientific name is Piper methysticum. The plant is native to the South Pacific islands, including Toga, Hawaii, and Polynesia. The native people of these areas have used the plant for many purposes, especially in traditional ceremonies. In fact, in many of those areas, a kava beverage is offered to high mandataries who visit the islands.
However, the plant is not only regarded as a ceremonial drink. In fact, in countries like Papua New Guinea, people have traditionally used kava kava for its medicinal properties.
Today, it is becoming popular among many people who mainly use it for its relaxing effects. In fact, it has somehow become a social drink and many people use it as a substitute for alcohol. As a result, we can see many kava bars opening in many towns and cities in the US.
Kava Properties
The kava root contains numerous compounds that give it many properties. The main active component of the plant is kavalactones. These substances have the following properties on the system:
- Antianxiety
- Stress-relieving
- Mental clarity
- Anti-depressive
- Relaxing
- Sleep-aid
- Muscle relaxation
- Anti-oxidant
Additionally, some users claim that it can help relieve opiate withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, others claim that it can also be a good choice for those who are trying to quit smoking.
Regarding the dosage, it is important to note that the FDA does not recommend exceeding a daily intake of 290 mg.
Finally, consider that you should avoid taking kava if you suffer from a liver condition, as kava can negatively affect this organ.
What Does Kava Taste Like?
The most common way to take kava is by preparing a decoction with its root and drinking the resulting beverage. Typically, you can find kava root in powder form in the market. Nevertheless, there are many people that don’t like kava’s taste.
Before showing you how to mask kava’s taste, let’s answer this question: what does kava taste like? Users describe kava’s taste as bitter and earthy. There are even people who compare its flavor to a very strong coffee, although this is not very accurate. Moreover, some users say that kava kava tastes like dirt. Additionally, kava can have spicy aftertaste. Also, a kava beverage tends to be thicker than regular coffee.
So, due to its strong flavor, people look for ways to enjoy kava’s properties without having to cope with its taste.
How to Mask Kava’s Taste
As we already mentioned, kava doesn’t have the most appealing of flavors. But the good news is that there are ways to mask its earthy and bitter taste. Let’s see some below.
- Mixing kava with juices: You can mix kava with mango, pineapple or orange juice to mask its flavor.
- Kava and milk: Many people mix their kava beverage with regular milk, coconut milk or almond milk to make it taste better.
- Kava and chocolate: Some add chocolate powder or even chocolate bars to their kava drinks. Many prefer to use chocolate with high cacao content, as it complements kava’s bitterness, whilst disguising the muddy flavor.
- Kava and yogurt: You can add a flavored yogurt to your kava drink to prepare a milkshake to help mask kava’s taste.
Nevertheless, most users say that getting over kava’s taste is a matter of time and most don’t find it so unpleasant after a while.
Finally, if you prefer not to mix your kava drink, you can opt to use a palate cleanser after drinking it. The best way to do this is to eat a piece of fruit, such as pineapple just after taking your drink.
And how about you? Do you like kava’s taste? Or can you share your recipe with us? Tell us in the comments below!
