From chai lattes to various aromatic herbal teas, there is no end to the blend one can find to switch from the usual orders of morning brews or party drinks. One of these drinks with rising popularity is none other than ‘Kava tea’. The charm of kava, and its ability to calm and relax has taken risen through the ranks of social media. But here’s the question that keeps people from getting the drink with ease: what does kava taste like?
So, Where is Kava From?
Kava drinks come from roots of a plant that thrives in the South Pacific. What you may not know is that this plant holds vital cultural status in the Pacific Islands. Kava comes from the Piper Methysticum plant, and has various contexts for centuries.
There are ceremonial uses of Kava tea in Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The tea also has medicinal qualities Moreover, the kava flavor is greatly liked, as the earthy tea gives way to the calm. The fame of kava surged in the West during the early 2000s, emerging as one of the top natural remedies for anxiety.
Plus, like with any drink, Kava tea is also tied to people coming together fostering community growth!
Looking to discover what does kava taste like? The growing fame of kava teas means that there is a surge of kava bars. These places provide a peaceful retreat for individuals looking to escape the fast paced nature of modern life—but using non-addictive, natural alternatives.
Kava offers a pleasant numbing sensation on the tongue and goes on to induce a feeling of calm, not unlike that of some caffeinated drinks.
How Is Kava Tea Made?
Before we answer what does kava taste like, first know that there is no single, exact taste. Kava happens when you grind roots of the plant. As a result, you get a drink known for its soothing effects and fairly easy brewing.
For ages, this calming drink has been a key part of social gatherings and rituals in various cultures. When the ground roots add to water, they create a juice that many believe serves as a natural substitute for alcohol.
Kava actually offers a good variety of blends. Some blends feature a light, uplifting sense, while others can create a more relaxing feeling. You can compare it to the mild buzz from alcohol—but just the feeling and not the negative effects (especially hangovers!).
You can find both classic kava grinds to brew, and even dehydrated juice. The grinds are prepared with filtered water and a mesh bag. They can also be brewed in the old way. While you can learn to brew at home, it is best to get the initial experience of kava at a nice kava bar.
Exactly What Does Kava Taste Like?
Before ‘what does kava taste like’ is the curiosity ‘what does it smell like’? When you take a sniff, you will get a strong scent that is a mix of earthy notes with a hint of muddy water, plus peppery notes. There are subtle hints that might remind you of soil or wood, reflecting the plant’s natural roots. And, the flavor is pretty much along those lines!
When trying kava for the first time, it’s common for people to remark that is challenging to swallow. Know that it is perfectly natural. First black coffee or herbal tea drinkers have a similar reaction—and they go on to make the beverage a key part of their day!
The tricky kava drink taste is normal since the tea is made from a ground root. Unlike other plants, the leaves and stems of the kava plant are not for brewing. As a matter of fact, it is the root that has most of kava’s active compounds, known as kavalactones.
Basically, the taste of kava is quite uniqu —and can differ greatly depending on which variety you go for. The way kava tea is made also affects the taste.
Breaking Down the Notes in Kava Tea:
So, you know what does kava taste like. Many people compare it to a slightly bitter but robust green tea. So if you are a fan of herbal drinks, kava tea may be right up your alley!
That said, there is more to be explored. To appreciate the kava flavor, you need to dive into the specifics of the plant it comes from. Kava is a cultivar, a type of plant that takes form after careful breeding. The method to grow paves the way for various kava types—and the kava taste you will have!
There are two main types of kava
Noble Kava: Most people like noble kava because it has a smoother and nicer taste. It usually has a milder flavor that can be a little sweet or spicy. The difference between this and non-noble kava is vital when you purchase the tea grounds or ready-to-drink—for the very first time.
Non-Noble Kava (Tudei): Non-noble kava tends to have a stronger and more bitter taste. So, this one may be tough to get used to if you are a kava novice. It does not matter what your company is having, know that starting with non-noble kava can hinder your drinking experience.
A Matter of Acquired Taste: What is ‘Kava Mouth’?
A part of the question ‘what does kava taste like’ involves the aftertaste too. People refer to the feeling of post-kava drinking as ‘kava mouth’. In simple terms, it is a numbing sensation on their tongue and lips.
If you are looking to drink kava tea for the very first time, kava mouth may leave you feeling weird—but not necessarily in a strange way. In fact, most drinkers consider this numb feeling to be a vital and fascinating part of enjoying kava!
The ‘kava mouth’ feeling pretty much reminds you of its natural state, its strength, and how it interacts with your nervous system. The overall know how contributes to its intricate character. Like drinking an herbal tea, diving into each sensation, each note is how you come to enjoy the drink. With kava, recognize the earthy, bitter, and tad spicy tones.
Finally, know that kava mouth, the overall kava drink taste, is also affected by the way the plant was grown, the extraction method, and the way of making the tea. That is why searching for quality and expertise in kava brewing is crucial, as it will impact every you take a sip and each flavor you come across!
Types of Kava—And Taste Differences:
Kava usually comes in three main types: heady, heavy, and balanced. The right kava is about your unique preferences. Here is what you should know about each category of kava tea:
– Heady Kava
Heady kava has energizing effects, making it a great choice for a daytime pick-me-up. It can boost your mood and sharpen your mental focus. Moreover, heady kava encourages focus on your current state and improves social interaction, which is ideal for gatherings. Its taste tends to be milder, appealing to kava newbies.
– Heavy Kava
Like its name, heavy kava is stronger in taste and stronger in its relaxation benefits. While the answer to what does kava taste like is a tricky one in this case, know that this drink in the evening or before bed means mental and physical relaxation. For people struggling with insomnia and other sleep disorders, heavy kava can be helpful
– Balanced Kava
The final type of kava is a harmonious blend of heady and heavy varieties. As a result, balanced kava offers both better mood and relaxation. You can have it at any time of day—depending on how much you consume, of course. The flavor is not as mild as the heady variety and not as intense as the heavy one, so you get a rich-tasting feel—with the mix of calming and uplifting effects!
Kava Flavor Pairing for Enhanced Experience:
Not sure if a traditional cup of kava is…cup of tea. Why not try a few additions to make the taste more bearable till you get used to it? Think of this similar to people adding honey and even sugar to herbal green tea.
- Over time, you can adjust the ratio of kava to your choice of pairing—till you find the calmness in kava tea on its own. Let’s see what does kava taste like with these easy pairings:
- Looking to soften the taste of the tea? Milk (best to use cow or goat milk) can balance kava’s strong flavor, making it smooth to drink.
- Fruit juice can really boost the flavor of kava. A really nice combo is kava with orange juice, as the tange helps to offset the bitter taste.
- Chocolate syrup may be unusual, but mixing the mixture results in a yummy blend. The chocolate enhances the overall taste. You can also throw in some peppermint to enhance the spicy notes and add a festive touch.
There are several other ways to enhance the kava flavor. You can blend it with drinks to craft your own kava ‘mocktail’. Non-alcoholic options like flavoring and purées can help to soften its bitter taste and result in a creative and more beginner-friendly drink!
General Health Benefits of Kava Tea:
What does kava taste like aside, is kava tea good for your health? Studies show that kava can help with anxiety. This is a non-alcoholic drink that elevates your mood, as it releases kavalactones compounds that act on your brain to create feelings of calm.
Various studies suggest that kava was is helpful in experiments than a placebo. It proved to be quite helpful in reducing anxiety in young people and women. However, the basic findings show that Kava may offer relief for short-term anxiety.
Other likely health benefits of kava tea include:
Kava may benefit people who have insomnia or face trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Kava may benefit people who have insomnia or face trouble falling or staying asleep.
- It can also reduce sleep latency. This is the time it takes for you to fall asleep.
3. Kava has is also a subject in cancer research. Studies show that kava tea intake can keep your body safe from oxidative stress. The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants is a way of cancer formation, and kava tea may help.
That said, studies also show that using kava tea for long-term anxiety is not ideal. Excess intake of any beverage even natural ones—can have adverse health benefits.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Kava Tea for Best Taste and Effects?
Getting kava for the first time? It is a good idea to choose an online supplier that has a solid reputation, with good reviews with respect to kava flavor and health benefits.
Take some time to research different kava vendors before making your decision. Look up how they source their kava, and ALWAYS focus on ones who focus on product quality over just offering the lowest prices.
Remember, the benefits you get from kava tea will be closely linked to the quality of the kava you select. As with many things, you often get what you pay for. And, higher quality does usually come with a higher price tag, right?
Also, go for the right prep method, whether you make kava at home or have it at a kava bar. Many people who have kava drink taste without the right method of making it may find their experience less enjoyable—and not try it again.
Whether you choose to enjoy kava at home or in a kava bar, refer to this guide to help you embrace the good vibes and deep calm sense it offers. With a little care of what you are drinking, you will have a top-notch time!