Kratom has exploded in popularity across the U.S. over the last decade or so. You can find kratom at nutrition shops, tobacco shops and in online stores in a variety of forms (powders, dried leaves, extracts, capsules, food products, etc.). If you’re new to the world of kratom, it can be hard to figure out where to start.
Below, the kratom team at Mitra Bros have put together a primer on how kratom goes from tropical Southeast Asian tree to sitting on your shelf.
Where Does Kratom Originate?
Kratom comes from the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa), an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Indigenous cultures in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and other countries have been using leaves from the kratom tree in traditional medicines and supplements for generations.
Kratom products in the U.S. are made from processed kratom leaves. The leaves can be eaten or used raw, dried, or processed into powders and capsules. Here, people tend to enjoy kratom in the form of powder, extracts, or capsules filled with powder.
Kratom Cultivation and Harvesting
Much like a good wine, the quality of kratom is affected by where the original plant is grown. The kratom tree thrives in hot, humid climates with significant rainfall. The lush, tropical climate and nutrient-rich soil in many Southeast Asian countries provide excellent farming conditions. Kratom farmers prize fertile soil and plentiful access to sunlight.
Kratom gurus have their own preferences about kratom sourced from different specific areas. Many people prefer Indo kratom, meaning kratom that originates from Indonesia. Regions with optimal growing conditions can produce kratom with a more optimal alkaloid composition, which affects the potency of the ultimate product.
Kratom trees require meticulous attention and care throughout the plant’s life cycle, and the choice of when to harvest can make a significant difference in the ultimate product. Timing is crucial to effective kratom farming. Different strains of kratom (red, green, white) actually arise based on the point in the tree’s life cycle at which the leaves are harvested. Red kratom comes from more mature kratom leaves, when the leaves have red veins. White vein kratom is harvested from younger plants, while green vein kratom is harvested somewhere in the middle.
The best kratom comes from hand-picked leaves, ensuring that only the highest-quality leaves are used.
How Are Kratom Leaves Processed from Farm to Table?
Once the kratom leaves are harvested, they undergo a series of processing techniques. While certain strains use special processing methods, there are a number of common steps to the process.
Typically, the lifecycle of a kratom product includes:
- Drying. The most common kratom products in the U.S. start with drying harvested kratom leaves. The leaves can be sun-dried or air-dried, either indoors or outdoors. Proper drying is essential to preserving the alkaloid composition, which affects the potency of the ultimate product.
- Fermentation. Some strains of kratom are produced using a fermentation process, which can alter the alkaloid composition to highlight certain properties.
- Grinding. Once dried, the leaves are crushed and ground into a fine powder using industrial grinders. The fineness of the powder can vary depending upon the methodology used and the designs for the final product.
- Quality Control. Ground kratom powder will undergo a number of quality control measures. Industrial sifting will root out large particles and stems. Laboratory testing is then used to ensure purity, quality, and potency.
- Packaging. The final approved product will then be weighed and sealed in air-tight, moisture-proof packaging in order to preserve freshness. Kratom powder is often funneled into capsules for ease of dosing and use by the customer.
The American Kratom Association has issued Good Manufacturing Practices standards meant to ensure that customers receive quality, unadulterated kratom products, and that those products are properly labeled to allow customers to make informed purchases. All of the products at Mitra Bros meet the AKA’s GMP standards.
How Does the Process and Type of Product Affect the Quality of Kratom?
Kratom’s ultimate quality is affected by a number of factors. The region in which it’s grown, the particular strain, the growth and harvesting techniques, and the methods used for processing can all impact the kratom’s alkaloid content, potency, shelf life, and other elements. Even something as simple as whether the leaves are sun-dried or dried indoors can have an impact.
The ultimate form of the product–capsules vs. dried leaves vs. powder–can affect the customer experience as well. Capsules are typically filled with kratom powder, so the difference is more about ease of use. Leaves, capsules, and powders may also have different shelf lives, based on how soon the product will expire. Processed kratom powders and extracts may be more potent than simply consuming the native leaf.
Regions with more established processing techniques can be relied upon to consistently produce higher-quality kratom. At Mitra Bros, we vet our kratom sources to ensure that we get only the best-in-class kratom for our customers. Moreover, we rely on third-party lab testing to ensure that all of our kratom is high-quality, high-potency, and free from harmful contaminants.
When you are shopping for kratom products, make sure you do your research and review product labels. Keep in tune with your body as you experiment with different types of kratom to find the strains and products that best suit your individual needs.
The Best Kratom Products Come from Trusted Sources Like Mitra Bros
All of Mitra Bros kratom products are made using tried-and-tested harvesting and processing techniques to ensure that you get only the highest-quality kratom experience. To check out our selection of premium kratom products, head over to our online shop.
If you have any questions about our processes or our products, we’re happy to help. We love hearing from our customers directly. Check out our Kratom FAQs to learn the basics, and follow our blog for kratom tips, tricks, and the latest industry developments.
