What Does Kava Taste Like?
Kava tea, made from the kava plant, is known for its calming qualities. In fact, it’s often consumed to soothe pain and anxiety. It’s grown in several countries in the South Pacific and is traditionally used for religious ceremonies and social gatherings. Now, it’s internationally recognized for its positive benefits.
But what does kava taste like?
If you’re new to the world of kava consumption and eager to learn more about its taste and effects, you’re in the right place. This article will discuss the flavor profiles of various kava strains and provide tips for making kava taste better.
Does Kava Taste Bad?
Most people (even kava enthusiasts) don’t actually enjoy the taste of kava. Kava has a very earthy, peppery flavor that’s quite bitter. The drink is often described as “muddy” or “dirty” water. So, why do so many people drink it?
While kava drinkers don’t enjoy its taste, what they do enjoy are its wonderful calming effects. So, how does kava make you feel?
Many studies have tested the properties of kava and have found that it’s an effective anxiety reliever; it can also simultaneously boost mood and brain function, unlike some traditional anxiety medications.
Some people are deterred by the intense, bitter taste of kava the first time they try it, but the benefits of the drink significantly outweigh any unpleasantness.
The Different Types of Kava and How They Taste
The different types of kava are known as strains or cultivars.
Because kava is unable to reproduce naturally, it must be cloned to grow new plants. This is done by planting part of an existing kava stem. Through this process, many different strains of kava have developed over time. These different strains come with unique flavor profiles and properties.
The most common and accessible type of kava product is noble kava. In fact, it’s the only type of kava allowed to be exported from Vanuatu. Other types of kava, such as tudei kava, are not used recreationally as they cause drunk-like effects that last for several days (tudei means “two-day,” referring to the duration of its effects).
Kava types are categorized as either heady, heavy, or balanced. However, these descriptions refer to the chemical properties and effects of the kava rather than its taste:
Heady – Used during the day for relaxation and a boost in mood and focus
Heavy – Used at night to promote better sleep and muscle relaxation
Balanced – A mix of both heady and heavy kava effects
Interestingly, kava’s taste has more to do with where it’s grown: Kava strains from Fiji are generally less bitter and have a very smooth texture, while Tongan strains are more intense and bitter (“kava” literally means “bitter” in Tongan).
Vanuatu is the premier kava exporter, with over 200 strains available. It’s said that Vanuatu kava has the highest kavalactone content, which is the chemical that produces kava’s calming effects. It’s highly sought after because each strain has its own distinct properties and doesn’t need to be blended with other strains.
Overall, for most kava drinkers, the taste is less important than the quality of the strain and its effects.
Tips to Make Kava Taste Better
Kava has incredible pain- and anxiety-relieving effects, but you shouldn’t have to suffer through its strong taste to reap its benefits.
What does kava tea taste like when you add something sweeter?
There are several tricks you can try to dilute or enhance the taste of kava while still getting the most out of it:
Dilutions – A simple way to make kava taste better is to mix it with another fluid to soften and counteract the bitterness. You can add water or try other sweeter-tasting drinks like coconut milk, creamer, and fruit juice.
Chasers – Similar to the trick above, using a chaser after drinking kava will remove its bitter taste and numbing sensation from your mouth. Drink your kava beverage quickly and follow it up with a sweet drink like juice or soda.
Chilling – Cold drinks are usually more palatable than warm or room-temperature ones, especially if a drink has a strong flavor. Popping your kava in the refrigerator or even adding some ice (which will help dilute it as well) can make the drink taste better.
Even though kava doesn’t have the most appealing taste, there are ways to make it more enjoyable and liven up your drinking experience. Simply test out each of these tips to see which one works best for you when consuming kava.
Learn More About the Powerful Benefits of Kava with Kava Coalition
Kava Coalition is dedicated to promoting education, research, and advocacy surrounding kava and its consumption.
We believe that the soothing benefits of kava use deserve to be experienced by those who need it most. Now that you’ve learned what kava tastes like, we hope you consider trying it and feeling the positive effects for yourself.
For more trustworthy information about the power of kava and how it’s making a real impact in the world today, check out our website and our other blogs.
Sources:
Mount Sinai. Kava Kava. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/kava-kava
Designer Kava. Different Kava Strains and Kava Cultivars. https://designerkava.com/blogs/news/different-kava-strains-kava-cultivars
CalmingCo. How to Make Kava Taste Better. https://www.calmingco.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-kava-taste-better