Kratom does not easily go bad as long as it is stored in a place that’s free of moisture, air, and extreme heat. There are several cases where kratom has maintained its freshness and potency for years, but the rules must be strictly adhered to, otherwise it can expire quickly. Kratom that is stored improperly not only loses its freshness and potency, but it can also be spoiled due to mold growth and bacterial contamination, which is usually when people notice something went wrong with the storage conditions.
This article covers how long kratom can stay fresh, potent, and maintain a suitable shelf life. It also talks about how and where to store kratom for freshness, and why people buy it in bulk in the first place.
How Long Can Kratom Stay Fresh?
While there is no set time until kratom becomes “unfresh”, it can stay fresh and still retain its potency for up to 5 years or even more. That said, how users handle it determines how long it can go in practice. With poor handling, it can lose its freshness and start growing mold even within a few weeks. But if properly stored, it can last for up to 5 years or more.
Tips for Effective Kratom Storage
Storage can affect both the taste and how well kratom works for you, which isn’t always obvious at first.
The Best Environment to Store Kratom
Heat, oxygen, and moisture are the three key factors to consider when choosing the best place to store kratom, and all three play a role.
Too much heat from the sunlight can degrade the alkaloid strength and lead to loss of potency. Extreme heat can also cause kratom to lose its robust appearance and aroma over time. To avoid these troubles, look for a dark place like a drawer, cupboard, or cabinet for storage. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy.
Moisture is another enemy of kratom’s longevity. If kratom gets damp as a result of coming in contact with water and it stays so for a while, mold will start to grow on it, which can also lead to bacterial contamination. Hence, kratom users must ensure their kratom container doesn’t come close to water or remain in a humid environment. This is why storing it in the freezer can be tricky and dicey. A dry, airtight container is always essential when storing kratom.
Lastly, oxygen or air is an oxidizing agent, which means it can initiate oxidation processes. Oxidation causes the alkaloids to break down, which may lead to loss of potency over time. While this can happen to multiple forms of kratom, the oxidation process is accelerated with the powdered form, especially if it’s opened often.
The Best Container to Store Kratom
An air-tight and sealed container is the best container to store kratom. That way, water and air can’t find their way in. Kratom packages usually come sealed and air-tight, which is a good place to store them over a long period.
For those who prefer plastic food containers, these also work fine as long as the container is properly dried before turning the kratom inside and the lid is well closed. Can the opening and closing of the container allow air or moisture to get inside over time? It can, and this takes us to short-term and long-term storage.
Short-Term Storage Vs. Long-Term Kratom Storage
Whether the storage is for long-term or short-term, the factors that affect kratom remain the same. However, if the batch of kratom is meant to last for one or two months, it’s okay to take it directly from the original container. But for those who plan to keep kratom for a few years, it really helps to keep kratom divided into multiple containers. This will help to avoid opening the same container repeatedly, as constant opening can attract air and moisture without it being obvious.
Another good reason for putting kratom into multiple containers is that, in case something goes wrong, users don’t lose all of the batch at once. Just keep one in a small container for daily use and leave the rest alone. To avoid identity complications later on, labelling them appropriately will help.
Should You Freeze Kratom for Long-Term Storage?
If done the right way, freezing can be an option for long-term kratom storage. However, because a lot of things can go wrong with this method, it is generally not recommended for long-term purposes. Since there is a high chance of kratom coming in contact with moisture inside the freezer, an air-tight, moisture-proof container must be used.
Also, avoid repeated freezing and thawing, as frequent temperature changes can lower the quality and even introduce moisture through condensation. To prevent moisture from getting into it, divide and put the kratom into multiple containers to avoid repeated thawing. Thaw completely before opening to prevent condensation, which is where people usually run into issues.
Lastly, avoid putting foods with strong odor inside the freezer, as kratom can easily absorb odor.
So, while it is possible to store kratom in the freezer, caution is needed to avoid ruining it, and it’s usually not the first option people go with.
