05 / About kratom
About kratom
Where it comes from, how it is processed and why, with a natural material, the origin of the particular batch is decisive.
01 / The basics
What is kratom?
Kratom is the name for the dried and finely processed leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. This evergreen tropical tree belongs to the madder family (Rubiaceae), the same botanical family as the coffee plant. It occurs naturally in the warm, humid environment of South-East Asia, particularly in the area of present-day Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of tropical Asia. In the wild it thrives above all in places with high humidity and close to watercourses.
Its large green leaves with pronounced veining are characteristic. It is the leaves that are the part of the plant which, after harvesting, is dried and then processed into a fine plant powder.
02 / The process
From leaf to finished product
The final character of kratom does not arise only from where the tree grows. The moment of harvest and especially the subsequent processing also play a large part. There may therefore be natural differences between individual batches in colour, aroma, fineness and in the presence of individual plant substances.
Harvest
Selected leaves of Mitragyna speciosa are picked. Their properties are influenced by the age of the tree, the maturity of the leaf, the climate, the soil and the particular locality.
Drying
Harvesting is followed by drying. Its length, the intensity of sunlight, air flow and other conditions affect the resulting colour and character of the material.
Processing
With some varieties, further procedures such as fermentation are used before final drying. Processing can differ considerably between producers.
Milling
The dried leaves are then milled into a fine powder. Consistent fineness and the purity of the resulting botanical material are important.
03 / Colours
Green, white, red… what do the colours mean?
Labelling kratom by colour is used in commercial practice above all to distinguish the way individual batches are processed. It does not mean that green, white or red kratom must come from a different botanical species of tree. The basis is still Mitragyna speciosa.
Names such as Maeng Da, Bali, Borneo and others are often trade designations. Their exact composition and method of processing therefore need not be identical across all growers and suppliers. For the customer, the origin of the particular batch and its control are more important than the name on the packaging.
04 / Composition
What does kratom naturally contain?
The leaves of Mitragyna speciosa contain a number of naturally occurring plant alkaloids. The best known and usually the most abundant is mitragynine. Other monitored substances include, for example, 7-hydroxymitragynine. The specific presence of individual alkaloids may differ between batches depending on the origin of the plant, growing conditions and the method of processing.
05 / Quality
Quality matters
Kratom is a natural material, and so not every harvest is automatically the same. Many factors can affect quality – the locality, the soil, the weather, the age of the tree, the harvest season, drying, storage and the milling itself. With botanical products we therefore consider traceability of origin, correct storage and the control of individual batches to be essential.
06 / Kratom at Balance Store
Our aim is not to offer the largest possible number of names and colour variants. We want the customer to know where the product comes from, what they are choosing and how individual batches are handled. That is why we concentrate on a quality product, careful selection of suppliers, correct storage and clear information.
To us kratom is not an anonymous green powder in a pouch. It is a natural product originating in tropical Asia, whose final quality arises from a combination of environment, harvest and processing.
Important information
This information is for educational purposes only. Kratom contains biologically active alkaloids and the rules for placing it on the market may change according to applicable legislation. We therefore always follow current legal requirements in its presentation, labelling and sale.