Compared to many botanicals, kratom powder stores reasonably well. And that’s good news. Fresh kratom is more aromatic, tasty, and (most importantly) potent. But even though kratom powder keeps its potency better than many botanicals, there are a few easy things you can do to enhance the shelf life of your kratom powder.
This article will cover the ins-and-outs of keeping your kratom fresh for an extended period. In short, it all comes down to proper storage conditions. From lighting to temperature to storage containers, we’ll cover everything you need to ensure your stock of fresh kratom stays that way. So without further ado, let’s get into it!
Why Fresh Kratom is Better
Users take kratom for a variety of reasons, but this potent botanical’s effects are all due to its unique alkaloid profile. Alkaloids are potent, naturally occurring compounds. But like any such compound, they can break down and deteriorate over time.
That means that, as your kratom powder ages, it will become less potent. That means you’d have to take a larger and larger dose to get the same effects, which can interfere with your kratom tolerance and make it difficult to measure proper, consistent dosage.
As the alkaloid profile breaks down, you’ll also notice some more obvious changes in your kratom. Over time, kratom’s color, scent, and flavor will all fade.
For users who dislike the taste of kratom, that last one may seem like a benefit, but we assure you it isn’t; the diminished effectiveness far outweighs the reduced taste, and you’ll always have a better experience with fresh kratom.
If you’re looking for a way to diminish the bitter taste of your kratom powder while still enjoying its full, undiminished effects, check out our guide to kratom flavor combinations and complements.
How Long Does Kratom Powder Stay Fresh?
If you take no special precautions, kratom powder remains fresh for a month or two. After that time, you’ll likely notice that your kratom powder has grown a little stale, with diminished flavor, aroma, and potency.
However, that figure is only an approximation. Many factors will impact your kratom’s shelf life and how long it stays fresh, including:
The container in which the kratom powder is stored
How much natural light the kratom powder is exposed to
The ambient temperature where the kratom powder is kept
There are even variations based on the particular kratom strains you choose!
But one thing’s for sure: fresh kratom is more enjoyable and effective, so you should do what you can to keep your kratom fresher longer. Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can take to do just that.
Three Tips for Keeping Your Kratom Powder Fresh
Keep Your Kratom Powder Completely Dry
It should go without saying, but you absolutely do not want your kratom powder to get wet before use. Of course, some methods of kratom consumption, such as the toss and wash, involve mixing kratom powder with a liquid. But getting otherwise fresh kratom wet is a recipe for disaster.
When you expose kratom powder to moisture, you drastically reduce its shelf life. Wet kratom powder quickly clumps and becomes unpalatable. What’s worse, moisture invites mold that, if ingested, could actually harm your health.
When measuring your dose of kratom, be sure to avoid spilling liquid into your storage container. If you do have a mishap, carefully scoop the wet (and likely clumped) kratom out and quickly use or discard it.
If you choose to store your kratom powder in a moist location (such as a refrigerator or freezer), it’s more important than ever to use a completely airtight container.
Store Your Kratom Powder in an Airtight Container
Like many other compounds, kratom reacts to oxygen in a process called oxidation. The process is extremely gradual. Nonetheless, reducing your kratom powder’s exposure to the elements is always a good idea. That’s one of the reasons that Borneo Energy always packages its kratom powder in resealable, air-tight pouches. For best results, we recommend you remove as much air from the pouch as possible before resealing it.
If you’re looking to store your kratom for a longer period of time, consider investing in vacuum-sealed bags. By completely removing the oxygen from your storage container, you can stave-off oxidation and keep your fresh kratom at peak efficiency for a much longer time.
Minimize Your Kratom Powder’s Exposure to Light
The sun’s UV light can be incredibly damaging to organic matter. That’s as true of kratom as it is for your skin. Although kratom powder is often dried in the sun, fully-cured kratom powder doesn’t benefit from further light exposure. By reducing light exposure, you can prolong your kratom’s shelf life and keep your fresh kratom at full potency longer.
Consider storing your kratom in an opaque container. That way, the container will block most of the natural light that would otherwise bleach and damage your kratom powder. Alternatively, storing it in a dark place such as a pantry or refrigerator is an