Storing kratom properly is essential to preserve as much of the natural plant as possible. This includes maintaining alkaloid content – and thus potency – and keeping it in the best conditions for making tea, smoothies, and mixing into meals.
1 – Chill Out, Man
Placing your kratom in a cool place is step #1 in saving it from disaster. A warm environment or fluctuating temperatures are not ideal for powder, capsules, or harvested leaves. Some put it in their fridge, but your refrigerator would have to be in perfect working order and be very clean for this to be effective, which I will get into more later.
It’s important to note that by “cool,” I just mean temperature controlled. We can’t change the weather, and your cupboard in New Mexico might be hotter than my cupboard in Oregon. With that in mind, try to find the coolest place in your crib and put it there.
2 – Kratom is Basically a Vampire
Keeping your products out of direct sunlight is also a key factor in proper storage. When exposed to UV rays, the chemical bonds in the plant weaken, which also produces a weaker batch. This isn’t bad if you plan on making, say, a sun tea or other party-pleasing concoction; I just recommend storing it in a dark spot until you’re ready to prepare it.
I suggest a cupboard or drawer, but a closet works fine as well. I keep the active container I’m using on my nightstand, farthest wall from windows and sunshine, and the rest in my linen closet.
3 – It Doesn’t Breathe
Next important topic is oxygen. Kratom is organic matter, and like all other organic matter, it ages, gets stale, and becomes less effective. Ouch. Slowing the oxidation process is a great preventative measure to take.
A vacuum-sealed bag is ideal. Not that fancy? Ziploc and sandwich bags are A-OK, just be sure to roll, suck, or press as much of the air out as possible. Tupperware can work just as well for short-term storing.
4 – Dry is Good
No one wants wet powder before it’s ready to be prepared. Also, your capsules could stick together and your leaves get soggy. Sounds nasty, right? Don’t forget about mold either, the most important reason to keep your beloved botanical dry.
Remember the fridge thing from earlier? If you want to keep it in there, then make sure that the rubber seal on your fridge door is tight and there’s no condensation inside. Keep in mind the container you use better be airtight too!
5 – What’s That Smell?
Another refrigerator issue. If you have gross roommates (or if you’re gross – not judging) then try storing your products in a clean place, free of offensive odors. Nothing is worse than drinking the already-bitter tea with the raunchy stench of overripe vegetables or meat. Honey won’t mask that, trust me.
Storing for Long-Term
If you’re looking to store your kratom for the long haul, I would definitely recommend the same steps as above. After that, you could consider freezing your kratom powder of leaf. If this sounds appealing to you, then don’t forget vacuum-seal bags, as they are a necessity for prolonging the life of your product. This is the superior method if planning to hang on to your kratom for over 6 months.
Closing
See? Storing kratom really isn’t that much different than your average tea or spices. Focus on keeping it stored in a cool, dry, and dark place and you’re golden.
