Kava is the latest trend among young professionals, nature lovers, and many people who like to try the newest products. The ancient root of the South Pacific has many beneficial properties to our mental and emotional well-being. No wonder why people who try kava (or kava kava) swear by its properties and recommend it to others. The popularity of the plant has risen dramatically in recent years and, consequently, kava is easy to find online, herb shops, and even in bars specializing in kava drinks. Contrary to alcohol bars, kava bars are quiet and peaceful places, where people gather to enjoy a good conversation around their “tasty” kava drinks. But, wait, is kava a pleasant beverage to drink? The answer to this will depend on who you ask. Although some people find it kind of okay (and others even like it), there are many individuals who despite the taste. But if you belong to the huge amount of people who don’t enjoy kava’s flavor, but still want to enjoy its properties, don’ worry, we’ll show you a delicious kava brownies recipe that you can easily prepare at home!
Why Mix Kava with Foods?
The kava root has been used for centuries in various regions of the South Pacific islands. Native people in those areas pound and grind the kava-kava (Piper Methisticum) root to obtain a thick powder. After that, they put the powder inside a strain bag or cloth, place the cloth inside a big bowl of water and knead it for a few minutes to extract all the active ingredients of the root. Traditionally, this kava water is drunk in social gatherings and even offered to foreign visitors and authorities as a welcoming symbol.
Today, we can find different kava powder formats in the market, i.e.: traditional kava powder to prepare the typical kava beverage, or even instant kava to prepare and drink it on the go.
But kava has a downside to it: it’s taste. The traditional kava beverage has a potent and earthy flavor that not everyone finds enjoyable. In fact, many individuals who would love to experience kava’s effects stay away from it because they can’t overcome its taste. So, masking kava’s strong flavor is the best reason to mix it with foods.
Obviously, the best way to enjoy kava-kava is by drinking the traditional beverage. But if you can’t handle the taste, why not try mixing it with food instead? Our kava brownies recipe is a great way to start.
Do Kava Brownies Work?
To answer this question, you need to know first how kava works. Like any other plant or herb, kava contains active compounds. In kava’s case, these are called kavalactones. Today, we know that some substances can act upon the GABA receptors of the brain to promote relaxation and to ease anxiety, and, kavalactones are among those substances.
So, to understand if kava brownies work it is necessary to know if kavalactones keep their properties intact after baking them. Unfortunately, there are no studies or research whatsoever on this subject. So, it is not possible to determine if kava brownies work or not. However, we can get an idea based on anecdotal evidence. Some individuals find that eating kava brownies (or cookies) will keep most of the kava’s effects intact and can feel the typical numbness of kava in their mouths. This could mean that kavalactones are working! Others claim that kava brownies have helped them relax after a long day of work. However, other people haven’t experienced any of kava’s effects after baking it. So, it largely depends on who you ask.
Kava Brownies Recipe
So, to find out if mixing kava with food could work for you, why not try this easy kava brownies recipe? Even experienced kava drinkers with a sweet tooth can enjoy it!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup melted butter
- 3tbsp cocoa powder
- 2tbsp medium grind kava kava
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1tsp baking soda
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in the microwave for a few seconds. After it’s melted, add the cocoa, sugar, vanilla, and eggs and mix well.
- Add the kava, flour, and baking soda to the mix and continue mixing. If you’d like, you can add some chocolate chips after it is properly integrated.
- Place the batter into a baking pan (we recommend that you line your pan with parchment paper to prevent it from getting sticky).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes (or until the top is crispy and a toothpick comes out of the center dry).
- Let it cool, serve, and enjoy!
Try this kava brownies recipe at home and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
