Indoor Vs. Outdoor Drying Of Kratom: Which Is Better?

Making Kratom leaves into a tincture or powder requires drying the herb’s leaves first. Kratom has slightly different alkaloid profiles compared to other compounds. It helps to activate the alkaloids in addition to lowering the moisture content.

There are various Kratom vendors available in the market, and one such is pa botanicals. They are famous for their Kratom products’ quality, potency, drying processes, product safety, and different strains. A typical Kratom plant can go through both indoor drying and outdoor drying.

The drying process of Kratom leaves matters a lot. Kratom leaves are wholly dried indoors to create Crisp powder. But, unbelievably, Kratom powder characteristics might indicate whether the leaves were dried indoors or outdoors.

So this article will discuss the Mitragyna Speciosa drying and harvesting process. So Here, we will outline the critical distinctions between indoor drying and outdoor drying and the advantages of indoor drying.

If you are curious to know, continue reading.

  What Do Kratom Plants And Kratom Leaves Look Like?

Kratom extract comes from the Mitragyna Speciosa plant, a plant native to countries in Southeast Asia. The tree requires fertile ground, and the soil type must be such that it can absorb reasonable amounts of water but not get much wet.

Throughout the Kratom tree’s life cycle, it undergoes various changes, leading to the different Kratom production process at different stages of its maturity.

The stems attached develop slightly into branches that bear the leaves. Kratom leaves and roots are the primary parts from which producers take the extract. A Kratom leaf typically has a dark green color and grows on strong stems and branches and a shiny texture outside.

What Are The Different Strains That We Get From The Kratom Tree?

The majority of Kratom products come from Kratom leaves. Depending on the level of maturity, there are different kinds of veins of Kratom leaves – red, green, and white.

However, yellow or gold Kratom is the new one in the market. The most famous Kratom products are powders, capsules, and some other forms of gummies.

● We get the red strains from a matured Kratom tree with matured Kratom leaves. Red Kratom powder is the most potent Kratom product.

● Kratom trees with semi-matured Kratom leaves produce green strains. Green Malay Kratom powder is very famous among green vein Kratom strains.

● The immature Kratom leaves produce white strains. White Borneo Kratom powder is a notable white Kratom strain.

  Indoor Vs. Outdoor Kratom Leaf Drying

After the harvest time, when the leaves are harvested, it is time for drying and processing. One can dry Kratom leaves using indoor fans, known as indoor drying, and the other uses outdoor facilities to dry the leaves.

To dry indoors, one has to give minute attention to sanitation, moisture management, and no allowance for sunlight.

The drying process is longer indoors, and to produce the most potent powders, you should strike a good balance between indoor and outdoor drying techniques for the required sunlight exposure.

Let’s discuss the merits and demerits of outdoor and indoor drying, and choosing which one you want is up to your understanding.

  Potency

It will likely be the top worry for most individuals when comparing Kratom drying indoors vs. outdoors. Indoor-dried Kratom leaves are more potent than outdoor drying. In general, it’s simpler to produce a higher potent Kratom indoors because of the controlled environment.

Kratom farmers who have experience with the Kratom tree and leaves keep their Kratom leaves away from direct sunlight. They know it can affect the potent nature of Kratom. Potency plays a significant role in getting the best experience with Kratom leaf veins.

Potent Kratom products like capsules, tea, and dried leaves are usually available at premium rates. A lot of sun exposure and certain other weather conditions can also impact the potent nature of Kratom. Too much sunlight brings swift death to the leaves. So most of the farmers prefer a dark place for leaves to dry.

 Alkaloid Profile

When undergoing indoor drying, the harvested leaves have a better alkaloid account than those that undergo outdoor drying. This is because more alkaloids in the leaves are dried using indoor techniques.

We know outdoor drying is faster, less gradual, and harder to control. These are why leaves get neglected and overexposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays, which reduces the number of alkaloids in the leaves. Overexposure to the sun is the same as aging the leaves because both reduce the alkaloid quantity of the leaves.

However, there is no question of the sun’s light in the case of indoor drying. Thus, the leaves are safe from exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, preserving the natural alkaloid quantity of the harvested leaves.

  Flavor

The harvested leaves from the Kratom tree have a characteristic earthy flavor or a bitter flavor. But, even amid bitter flavors, fresh leaves have a tinge of sweetness. In the case of outdoor drying, these sweet flavors may vanish, leaving only the bitter flavor profile, which can be an absolute ‘no’ for many people.

When drying the leaves indoors, this phenomenon doesn’t occur, and the flavor profile is usually preserved. Thus, you don’t need to worry about changing flavors in case of indoor drying.

  Moisture Content

Right moisture management practices are essential during harvesting. It can play a huge role in determining the freshness of the plant and the leaves. However, farmers generally observe that leaves dried outside develop a sand-like texture or consistency, resulting in a dry product.

This good moisture management practices are key to pre-harvest treatments and post-harvest treatments. In indoor drying, a long and gradual process, the moisture gets retained, and the leaves don’t lose their freshness.

  Hygiene

Outdoor drying is less hygienic because the leaves get subjected to all kinds of dirt, pollutants, microbes, etc., in the surrounding environment. Thus, it may lead to contamination. There have been instances when people saw leaves being dried on the ground without tarps.

Indoor drying involves cleaner practices. In addition, as the leaves are indoors, they are not subject to microbes and contaminants. Thus, the chances of contamination of leaves lessen.

  Drying process

People who grow Kratom plants at home and farmers employ different techniques to dry the leaves. These dried Kratom leaves go for fermentation, and the fermented leaves go for processing, blending, and packaging.

Thus, ending the life cycle of Kratom leaves. Let’s discuss those which people growing trees in homes use.

  Air Drying

One of the most preferred methods of drying the leaves is air drying. It helps preserve most of the alkaloids in the required quantities. However, you should constantly check the temperature and humidity when air drying.

The leaves may become volatile and tough to grind if dried quickly. Drying the leaves too slowly may lead to mold growth. You should know that the optimum humidity for perfect drying is 40 to 60%, and the optimum temperature should be 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

  Sun-Drying

Sun drying is a great way to preserve the leaves for a long time. These leaves may remain fresh for 12 months. However, the harmful UV rays of the sun decrease the alkaloid quantity, affecting its potential.

• You should make sure to use matured leaves for sun drying. After drying them:
• Wash them to clean the leaf surface of dirt and pollutants.
• Dry the leaves again and keep them in air-tight containers.
• Store the containers in a dark place.

  Oven Drying

Oven drying is a relatively new way of drying Kratom leaves. In this case, you should keep your oven preheated at 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, use parchment paper spread the leaves on it, and keep it on a baking sheet.

Next, put the baking sheet and leaves in the oven and leave it for two or three hours. Lastly, cool the leaves and store them in air-tight containers in a dark place.

Oven cooling may also affect the alkaloid levels of the leaves. Always check for the proper temperature and take the leaves out of the oven at the right time, or you will end up cooking them. However, oven drying may lead to leaves with more alkaloids than sun-dried leaves, and you can store them for longer.

  The Bottom Line

Through this article, we have discussed everything about drying Kratom leaves. Now, you know how to dry the leaves if you plan to plant your Kratom plants. So, which drying process do you choose after the harvest process when your leaves are harvested? Indoor drying or outdoor drying?

Also, remember Pa Botanicals is your destination if you wish to buy a packet of fine-quality Kratom powder. The company sells some of the best commodities, including Kratom tea bags. The prices are affordable, and no Kratom user would regret buying from them.