Appologies if experienced people will find this a lazy question. This forum is so big I am not very sure how to effectively find specific info. Am I sure though, such a basic question has been already disscused.

How important is powdering the Caapi vine ? I have my caapi shredded. (not powdered) and do not have acces to a coffee grinder. I think it is not essential to have it powdered, because I have read all the basic sticky thread "All about Aya" here, but I'm not sure if this calls for different cooking times.

Is the 3 x 3 hours still ok, if I use shredded caapi ?

Edit: I am going to use *yellow* caapi vine shredded, from Maya Ethnobotanicals. I will cook 200 grams and I'm going to first drink 50 (being a first timer), without "light" just for a test. Does this sound ok ? How much water would you advise me to use ?

Shredded is fine and 3x3 hours should be adequate (longer won't hurt).

As to how much water to use, ime, more is always better, it just means more reducing. I usually use at least 20-30ml/g for each brew.

Definitely don't powder it. It's nearly impossibly to filter that way, huge PITA to work with in my (admittedly very limited) experience. I bought mine pre-powdered not knowing any better, and it led to all kinds of problems.

powdered caapi will get lots of the good stuff out but I agree with crazy horse...it will make your life a living hell. Well maybe nothing that bad but its a messy business trying to filter the tea but not over filter. Stick to shredded it will more than do the trick.

50g no addy will be pretty easy going possibly, un-noticeable. If you drink the sediment you will feel much more but most likely purge.

My first caapi only i drank 100g with the sediment and I was laid the F*** out for hours with visuals like I've never experienced on hallucinogens. I couldn't move, the auditory hallucinations were amazing. One of the most unique experiences with these substances Ive ever had. Its very interesting having an incredibly clear mind but everything else in never never land.