One of the first things you will notice when searching online for the keyword „Kratom“ is hundreds of pages flooded with information about the many varieties, types, and forms of this product.
The variety of Kratom strains is enormous. Just take a look at our range of Kratom powders and capsules to understand that it is difficult to navigate all these types and the differences between them.
The question is complex, but understanding the answer is critical if you want to get the most out of Kratom.
In this article, experts from Viva Dzen will explain in detail how and why Kratom varieties differ. We will go through the life cycle of a standard Kratom plant and show the importance of the harvesting and drying processes in obtaining a quality end product.
OVERVIEW OF THE KRATOM LEAF HARVESTING PROCESS
The harvesting, drying, and processing of the kratom plant are carried out using various methods, and it is these methods that determine the characteristics of most kratom varieties.
Typically, kratom leaves are classified into three categories, which allow most varieties to be identified.
These are white, green, and red leaf veins.
The term „vein“ refers to the pattern of veins on the back of the kratom leaf.
In young kratom trees, the leaf veins are usually light (white veins).
As kratom trees mature, the veins on the leaves may blend in with the overall color of the leaf (green veins).
The most mature kratom leaves have red or brownish veins (red veins).
It is important to understand that not all kratom tree leaves go through this process of vein color change. Many factors can influence the color of Kratom leaf veins, including genetics, soil type, nutrient absorption rates, and the amount of sunlight during the Kratom tree’s life cycle.
Kratom leaves are harvested at specific times during the plant’s life cycle, and accuracy is important here. A leaf with white veins can turn into a leaf with green veins in a few months, and with enough time, it can transition into the red vein category in a year or two. Most Kratom leaves have red veins when harvested, and their final color and alkaloid profile are determined by post-harvest processing.
Because of the importance of controlling Kratom leaf growth, there are complex harvesting plans that allow for the desired amounts of white, green, and red-veined Kratom to be obtained.
Keep in mind that Kratom has been grown on specialized plantations for hundreds of years, and during that time, farmers have learned many lessons from their mistakes!
TRIMMED OR WITH STEMS: A CHOICE IN KRATOM
One of the fascinating aspects of working with Kratom is deciding whether to leave the stem on the leaf after harvesting. This can add a certain note to the alkaloid profile of Kratom. But the choice for or against stems on the leaves depends on the skill and knowledge level of the growers.
PROCESSING KRATOM LEAVES: AFTER THE HARVEST
After harvesting Kratom leaves at the optimal time (when they become White, Green, or Red veins), the next decision is between drying or fermentation.
DO WE DRY OR FERMENT? THE JOURNEY OF KRATOM LEAVES
If Kratom is to undergo immediate drying without fermentation, the leaves are carefully spread out in an even layer for drying. There are two possible scenarios here:
Indoor drying using a fan. Protected from direct sunlight, the leaves are dried in large dark rooms. Here, the air quality is controlled by industrial fans that ensure air circulation and remove moisture during drying. Hygiene standards must be strictly adhered to, otherwise mold may become a problem.
Open-air drying. The leaves are spread out in thin layers in the open air for 24-72 hours. Sunlight serves as a natural barrier against mold, so this method of drying Kratom leaves is often cleaner and easier to control. However, it is necessary to carefully monitor the weather and stir the leaves regularly to ensure even exposure to sunlight.
Kratom leaves are often exposed to both types of drying, which greatly affects the final strength of the resulting product.
FERMENTATION: THE SECRET INGREDIENT OF KRATOM
Instead of immediate drying, some freshly harvested Kratom leaves are packed in jute bags and left to ferment in a dark room.
This process, more commonly used for Red Vein Kratom leaves, changes the biomolecular structure of the leaves and thus their alkaloid profile. Fermentation alters the concentration and balance of natural phytochemicals in Kratom.
However, because fermentation requires more time and labor, fermented varieties of kratom are sold at higher prices compared to unfermented ones.
Fermentation usually takes 24 to 72 hours. Afterwards, the fermented leaves are dried, either indoors or outdoors, depending on the grower’s preference.
THE ART OF GRINDING
When kratom leaves have gone through the stages of harvesting, cutting, possible fermentation, and thorough drying, they are almost completely devoid of moisture.
In this dried state, they become ideally prepared for grinding to the fineness we are trying to achieve.
Originally, kratom farmers used a mortar and pestle to grind the dried leaves. However, due to the global demand for commercial doses of kratom, kratom producers now use modern agrotechnological machines designed specifically for the fast and high-quality grinding of dried kratom leaves to the smallest possible size.
PASTEURIZATION AND PURITY/EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS
It may seem that the most complex stages of kratom leaf processing are already behind us. However, the most important and demanding tasks are still ahead.
PASTEURIZATION
Pasteurization is a process in which processed kratom powder is subjected to uniform heating in order to destroy any microorganisms present. This method is scientifically recognized and effective in removing more than 99% of microbial contamination that may be present in kratom powder.
INDEPENDENT LABORATORY CONTROL
Testing processed kratom powder for purity and potency is extremely important. This is done to fulfill two main tasks:
Detection of impurities such as heavy metals and pathogens.
Determination of the content of plant alkaloids, especially mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Complex laboratory equipment, including specialized spectroscopic detectors, is used for this stage of testing. These instruments are highly sensitive and capable of detecting microparticles that are invisible to the human eye.
Any kratom powder that is found to be contaminated will be immediately isolated and destroyed. Only kratom powder that has passed the test and confirmed its purity will proceed to the next stage of processing: mixing and packaging.
MIXING, PACKAGING, AND DELIVERY
After thorough inspection, the kratom powder is ready for packaging and sale.
But before that happens, Viva Dzen’s kratom processing experts take two or more different varieties of kratom and blend them together to create our own blends. These include the Gold varieties from our store and others.
Blended kratom often offers a „more complete“ kratom experience, which many fans of this product prefer. Our exclusive blends are the result of years of work and research, and only the best of them have made it into our range!
Now that you know more about how kratom is harvested, dried, and processed, you can confidently explore the variety of varieties that await you in our store’s catalog—kratom powder, ground kratom leaves, kratom tablets, and capsules.