How to Freeze Kratom? | Complete Guidelines for Preserving Kratom

Freezing kratom is a popular storage method to help retain the freshness, potency, and alkaloid content of quality kratom powder and leaves. By keeping kratom frozen, the chemical reactions and physical processes that cause it to degrade over time are significantly slowed. This allows you to stock up on bulk kratom while preserving its signature scent, flavor, and effects. 

However, freezing kratom improperly can actually hasten deterioration and loss of potency. It’s crucial to follow best practices to maximize how long frozen kratom lasts. Here is a detailed guide covering everything you need to know about successfully freezing kratom for both short term and long term storage.

How Does Freezing Work to Preserve Kratom?

Freezing works by dramatically lowering the kinetic energy and motion of molecules. At temperatures below 0°F, chemical reactions and biological processes that affect kratom slow to a near halt. This prevents or delays the physical and chemical changes that signal degraded kratom:

Oxidation – Exposure to oxygen breaks down alkaloids. Freezing minimizes oxidation.

Moisture loss – Freezing prevents moisture evaporation that alters scent/flavor.

Bacterial growth – Cold temperatures inhibit microbial growth that causes spoilage.

Alkaloid breakdown – Freezer temperatures stop reactions that degrade active compounds.

Structural damage – Freezing halts processes that alter leaf cell walls and structure.

The colder the temperature, the more pronounced this preservative effect is. As long as kratom remains completely frozen, it will maintain nearly the same state of freshness as when it was first frozen.

What Temperature Should You Freeze Kratom At? 

Colder freezer temperatures are better for long term kratom storage. The coldest section of your freezer is ideal. Here are some recommended temperature guidelines:

• 0°F to -10°F – Best range for freezing kratom with minimal degradation.
• 10°F to 20°F – Still effective if a very cold freezer isn’t available.
• 20°F to 30°F – Marginal. Higher temps allow more alkaloid breakdown over time.

Ideally, you want to freeze kratom below 0°F if possible. Use a freezer thermometer to check your freezer’s temperature zone. The freezer may not be uniformly cold, so test different areas. Avoid door shelves that see fluctuation.

How Long Can Kratom Be Frozen Before Degrading?

When stored at optimal freezing temperatures, here are the approximate timelines before noticeable degradation occurs:

• 1-2 months – Very minimal potency loss if stored well.
• 3-6 months – Still quite effective but some decline in alkaloids apparent.
• 6-12 months – Potency and freshness drops faster during this period.
• 1-2 years – Likely much weaker; extensive breakdown of compounds.

Note that these are rough estimates that depend on exact storage conditions. Maximizing storage time requires ideal freezing habits outlined in the next sections.

Storing Kratom Short Term vs. Long Term 

For short term freezing up to 1-2 months, kratom can be kept in its original packaging or bags. But for longer freezing duration, it’s best practice to: 

• Portion doses into small freezer bags to limit air exposure.
• Remove excess air from bags to reduce oxidation. 
• Use additional sealing methods like vacuum packing.
• Place bags flat to maximize contact with freezer surfaces. 

The more care you take to minimize air exposure and maximize surface freezing, the better your kratom will retain potency even after 6-12 months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Freezing Kratom

Follow these tips for successfully freezing kratom:

DO:

• Use airtight freezer bags or containers.
• Portion doses into small bags to limit air.
• Remove all excess air before sealing. 
• Use ice cube trays to make kratom pills easy to grab.
• Label everything carefully with strain and date.
• Freeze new purchases quickly to maximize freshness.

DON’T:

• Use cheap plastic bags prone to cracking.
• Allow moisture into powder before freezing.
• Freeze extracts or kratom prepared as tea or paste.
• Store next to stinky freezer odors that may transfer.
• Refreeze thawed kratom more than 1-2 times. 

Following these guidelines will ensure your frozen kratom stays in optimal condition.

Step-By-Step Process for Freezing Kratom

Properly freezing kratom powder helps preserve the delicate alkaloids and maintains the potency of strains for longer duration. It is best to start with fresh, high quality powder that is free of moisture, purchased recently from a reputable vendor. Measure out individual doses into small containers like freezer-safe plastic bags or trays before freezing.

Removing excess air from the packaging helps prevent oxidation of compounds during freezing. Tightly seal everything with methods like vacuum packing or double bagging, and label the strain name and date frozen on each package. Spread containers flat in single layers on freezer surfaces to freeze fastest.

Set the freezer temperature to 0°F or below and use a thermometer to verify it reaches optimal freezing points. Once fully frozen, consolidate packs into larger freezer bags to save space. Limit opening the freezer repeatedly to prevent temperature fluctuations.

When accessing frozen kratom, retrieve items quickly then promptly reseal the freezer. Avoid excessive thawing and refreezing, which degrades delicate kratom alkaloids. Following careful freezing procedures allows long-term storage of kratom powder while retaining its freshness and maximum potency.

Thawing Kratom Properly After Freezing

To prevent degradation of frozen kratom powders, proper thawing procedures should be followed. Only remove the specific measured dose needed from the freezer, keeping the bulk of the kratom frozen.

Place the individual dose in an airtight, non-porous container with an airtight lid, and leave it at room temperature to thaw. Avoid extended thawing time by using doses sized for immediate consumption once thawed.

Do not refreeze kratom again after it has been thawed and exposed to air and moisture. Only intact, unopened kratom powder packs should be refrozen. With minimum thaw time in an airtight vessel, previously frozen kratom can retain its full potency and original efficacy.

Follow strict thawing habits to prevent deterioration of precious alkaloids due to oxidation, humidity or bacterial growth during the defrosting process. Careful handling preserves the maximum freshness and effectiveness of properly frozen kratom product.

Alternative Ways to Preserve Kratom 

While freezing works best for long term storage, two other methods can also prolong freshness for short term:

Refrigeration – While less stable than freezing, the fridge preserves alkaloids for 1-2 months. Use airtight bags.

Vacuum sealing – Removes oxygen to prevent oxidation degradation. Stores well at room temperature for 1-2 months.

Combine these techniques by vacuum sealing kratom first, then refrigerating or freezing for added protection.

Maximizing Kratom Shelf Life In and Out of the Freezer

Here is how long properly stored kratom lasts:

• Room temperature – 1 to 2 years in airtight bags
• Refrigerated – 1 to 3 months 
• Frozen – 3 to 6 months ideally; up to 1 year maximum

No storage method prevents degradation forever. But combining freezing with vacuum sealing, low light, low humidity storage, and oxygen absorbers helps maximize preservation of fresh, high potency kratom.

In Conclusion

Freezing kratom powder is an excellent way to preserve its freshness and alkaloid content for the long-term. By following the best practices outlined here for ideal freezing, storage, and thawing, you can safely stockpile premium quality kratom strains purchased in bulk quantities.

Take advantage of freezing methods to buy your favorite kratom at more economical prices, portion it out into measured doses, then keep it frozen for consumption over many months.

As long as care is taken to minimize air exposure and maintain freezing temperatures, the kratom will retain its original potency and effectiveness. Implementing sound freezing and thawing habits allows you to freeze kratom easily for future use, avoiding deterioration in quality.

Frequently Asked Freezing Questions

How do you thaw frozen kratom?

Place your frozen kratom dose in an airtight container and let thaw at room temperature until ready for use. Avoid leaving thawed for extended periods. Only thaw what you plan to consume soon.

Can you freeze liquid kratom or extracts?

It’s not recommended. Freezing can cause cell walls in liquid kratom to rupture, degrading alkaloids. And condensed extracts may become too concentrated upon thawing. Best to only freeze unadulterated powder.

Will freezing alter kratom’s effects? 

When frozen properly, kratom’s effects should remain unchanged. However, extensive freezing beyond 6 months may allow some subtle alkaloid breakdown, modifying results. But short term freezing preserves characteristic effects.

Can humidity exposure make kratom unsuitable for freezing?

Yes, moisture accelerates decomposition, even in the freezer. Only freeze bone dry powder stored long term with desiccant packs. If powder feels clumpy, don’t freeze – dry it fully with silica gel first.

Can you freeze kratom paste or crushed leaves?

It’s best to only freeze plain, unadulterated dry powder. But very dry crushed leaves can be frozen with care taken to remove air exposure. Avoid freezing any moist pastes – dry and powder any extracts before freezing.