If you’ve decided to try Kratom for the first time, or even if you’ve already taken the plunge and discovered its many uses for yourself, you may still be wondering what the different colors and monikers mean.
How on earth can you make sure you’re choosing the right product for you?
There’s so much conflicting information out there, and with one article explaining colors, and another one explaining names, it can be really confusing scrolling from one webpage to the next to try and build up an accurate picture of what each strain means.
This is where we come in. While you will probably want to read more in-depth pieces on the different aspects of Kratom (because knowledge is, after all, power), we believe that what you need is a simple but comprehensive guide to the different colors which will help you make an informed choice right from the beginning. Or, if you have already discovered the benefits of Kratom, this information can only enhance your experience.
So What IS The Difference?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that different strains of Kratom comes from different trees, but that’s simply not the case, because there are several factors involved in the classification of Kratom strains.
• Where it was grown
• The condition of the soil
• How long the leaf was left to mature
• How the leaf was dried
So let’s look at this in a little more detail.
Why Are There Different Colors of Kratom?
There are three main colors of Kratom – red, green, and white. You may also come across varieties such as yellow or gold, but for the purposes of this article (and so as not to confuse you even further) we will stick mostly to the main three.
The color generally refers to the shade of veins the leaf has when it is harvested, although some would say the color is a marketing strategy, while others claim that it is all to do with how the leaves are processed. However, the likelihood is that it’s a combination of all of these factors.
The Drying Process
How the leaves are dried has a lot to do with the strength and properties of each strain. Green leaves, for instance, spend the majority of their drying time indoors, while white leaves are dried in the dark. Red leaves, on the other hand, are dried using UV exposure, either naturally through sunlight or indoors using UV lighting.
Maturity
Another classification when it comes to the color of your Kratom is that of their maturity, or how long they have been left to grow on the tree before being harvested.
White veined leaves are the youngest and are believed to be the most stimulating, while red veins are the most mature and are said to produce a relaxing effect. The green, middle-aged leaves are the most balanced and soothing of the three.
What’s in a Name?
There is a plethora of weird and wonderful names associated with Kratom, and while they used to relate to where the tree was grown, today’s names might refer instead to where the seeds originally came from, for example, rather than where the leaf was actually grown.
Other names are more of a marketing ploy, as is the case with Maeng Da, which translates as ‘pimp grade’.
However, in general, the names of the strains will give you a general idea of the properties offered by each.
Red, White, or Green?
You will need to do your own more in-depth research into what each strain offers and what you want from Kratom, but as a simple guide, we have listed some of the main properties of each of the three main colors as a solid starting point to make it easier for you.
• Red. Widely available and hugely popular, red vein Kratom grows prolifically in Southeast Asia. Producing a general vibe of well-being and calm, Red Kratom is the ideal choice for beginners.
However, even within the red leaf varieties there is variation on the properties – for example, Borneo Red has a sedating effect, while Red Sumatra is more of a mood elevating aroma.
• White. A great substitute for caffeine, white Kratom is stimulating, so is best used earlier in the day to start if off right with energetic aromas
• Green. The most balanced of the three colors, middle-aged green Kratom is what you might call a happy medium.
What about Yellow, Gold, and Other Varieties?
While red, white, and green are by far the most popular and widely available strains, you will from time to time come across other types of Kratom.
Yellow and gold get their names from the processing stage, rather than the color of the veins – Kratom only comes with red, white, or green veins. The yellow or gold comes from the processing side which produces a different tint to the finished powder.
While similar in hue, their properties are not the same: Yellow shares many features with the red Kratom varieties, while gold is more like the whites.
In Conclusion
As long as you make sure you buy from a trusted and reputable vendor, they will be able to help you decide which Kratom strain is for you. Talk to them, question them, and tell them exactly what you want, and if they can’t or won’t answer your questions, find another vendor. Those who are willing to discuss the options are those who truly love what they do, and are passionate about educating the world about Kratom.
So do as much research as you can, find a trusted vendor, and have fun trying all that Kratom has to offer!