Have you ever wondered how to keep your kratom as fresh and potent for as long as possible? Whether you’re an occasional or seasoned kratom user, you could potentially benefit from freezing your kratom powder.
Freezing can lock in and preserve compounds in kratom due to the slowing down of oxidation and alkaloid breakdown. However, it’s not just about longevity, freezing can amplify effects as is seen with the red bubble method. Read on as we walk you through this method and explain how and why freezing your kratom could be beneficial for you.
Yes, you can freeze your kratom powder. It is an effective way to preserve the potency of kratom powder over a longer period of time.
Typically, when stored at room temperature, kratoms’ shelf life can last for more than a year if left in its original package unsealed. However, once you unseal it and start using it, its exposure to heat, light, and moisture can alter its efficacy, making it lose potency over time.
After opening your package and storing it in an airtight container, it can remain potent for up to 6 months. However, if you decide to freeze it, you can extend its potency for a year or more.
Freezing kratom is better than storing it at room temperature, as the science behind it is similar to what you get from freezing your fruits and vegetables. It slows down oxidation, thereby preserving alkaloid integrity.
Yes, freezing does extend the shelf life of kratom if done correctly. The biological processes involved in freezing kratom stem from the significant drop in temperature. At freezing, the water content in kratom is frozen, preventing oxidation which is the biological process that breaks down the alkaloids in the kratom.
Apart from improving its shelf life, freezing a mixture with water can also enhance the effects, a process known as the Red Bubble Method. A drastic drop in temperature triggers cell lysis, a vital process in the breakdown of cellular structures with the plant matter, which can make the alkaloids more bioavailable and easier to be absorbed by the body.
Freezing requires more than just stashing your kratom in your freezer; there are steps to follow to achieve your goal.
First off, you want to make sure your kratom is completely dry and free from microorganisms. To accomplish this, slightly heat your kratom in a microwave for about 2 minutes, setting the heat between 100-150°C.
After slightly heating your kratom, transfer it into an airtight container and allow it to cool to room temperature. You can get a glass jar, resealable plastic, or any container with a tight seal.
Note: Remember not to put the warm or hot kratom into the freezer immediately, as it can ruin it. Always allow it to cool to room temperature.
Once your kratom powder is cooled to room temperature, transfer it to the freezer. You can leave it there for a year or more, however make sure it is stored in an airtight container.
Take the following factors into consideration to get the best result:
Now, apart from freezing kratom for preservation purposes, freezing can also be used to enhance its effects. This process is known as the Red Bubble Method.
The Red Bubble Method is a way of extracting kratom alkaloids in liquid to enhance its potency. The process involves mixing kratom in water and freezing it before drinking. When done correctly, there’s a red bubble at the top of the ice, hence where this method got its name.
The science behind this method is that freezing and thawing breaks down cell walls and improves bioavailability. This process helps to release alkaloids into the liquid, thus creating a liquid extract.
So how do you do the Red Bubble Method? Get a container and mix your kratom powder with water. Then add in a citrus juice, like grapefruit juice, lemon juice or orange juice. Thereafter, freeze the mixture overnight until you see red bubbles at the top. Lastly, thaw the mixture and strain the plant matter with a cheese cloth. This creates a homemade liquid kratom extract. Ensure to refrigerate the liquid and use it within 5 days.
By doing this method you can increase potency and enhance alkaloid absorption, thereby leading to potentially stronger and longer-lasting effects. For those who don’t enjoy the bitter taste of kratom, the inclusion of a citrus juice may make it more enjoyable.
One caveat with this method is you are not able to gauge the strength of the liquid extract. We advocate against the use of extracts because their increased strength comes with increased risks of overuse and habit-formation. The better choice is to stick with regular powder or capsules.
Freezing kratom is not the only way to extend shelf life. Other methods like vacuum sealing, refrigeration, or storing it in a cool, dark place can also work wonders. These storage methods can all help to prevent degradation to different degrees.
Choosing freezing to extend shelf life is a good choice if you intend to keep your kratom for a year or more. But if you use your kratom within a span of six months, then freezing is overkill. In this case, just make sure the package is well sealed, or even better use an airtight container and store at room temperature in a dark place like a cupboard.
Freezing kratom is an effective way to preserve kratom powder over a longer period of time. Unlike storing at room temperature in an airtight container, which can preserve your kratom for 3-6 months, freezing can extend it for a year or more. But if you consume each batch of your kratom within 3 months, then there is no need for freezing.
Apart from freezing for preservation, you can also freeze to achieve the Red Bubble Method. This is done by mixing kratom in water and citrus juice and then freezing the mixture until it forms red bubbles at the surface. Once thawed, the mixture can be strained and the resulting mixture creates a liquid kratom extract. Although, we don’t advocate for the use of extracts, especially when potency of alkaloids cannot be measured – so rather, stick with regular kratom powder or capsules.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.
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