Kratom has long been used as traditional medicine and for socio-religious ceremonies. Some also used it as a remedy for opioid withdrawal symptoms. More recently, it is a recreational drug that has been growing in popularity in western countries, especially in the United States. However, how it is used is not much different then from now.
Many people in Southeast Asia have been making kratom tea for generations. Today, even with many options available, kratom tea is still the most popular and preferred way to use this plant. However, if there’s one thing that didn’t change, it is the flavor of kratom tea.
If you are familiar with kratom, you already know how unpleasant it is. And it’s no different when you make kratom tea. It is bitter, pungent, and has an earthy taste that’s just hard to ignore. Luckily, there are several ways you can balance this flavor and create a more palatable beverage that you can enjoy. But before that, let’s first have a quick overview of how kratom came to what it is now.
The Evolution of Kratom
The kratom tree, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa, is indigenous in some countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its first use was documented at least 150 years ago where natives chewed fresh kratom leaves for its analgesic effects or brewed them into tea for relaxation. In Malaysia and Thailand, kratom was also very popular as a substitute for opium from 1830 to 1920. There were also reports of the plant being used for ceremonies and rituals. Furthermore, kratom use was prevalent in Malaysia and Thailand, particularly by field workers or manual laborers who had to endure brutal working conditions in their regions.
In the past, the leaves (fresh or dried) were chewed, eaten, smoked, or brewed. That’s it. However, nowadays, the leaves go through an extensive process to become the product you see today. First, the kratom leaves are either dried under the sun or through a shade. They are ground until they become a fine powder. Now, to produce an even finer texture, an industrial grinder is used. For specialty kratom strains, some farmers add a step in their production and processing. For example, fermenting the leaves after harvest. This is how kratom powders are usually made. For convenience, this powder is encapsulated to produce kratom capsules.
Kratom Tea: Reducing Bitterness
Following the evolution of kratom, teas are now widely made with kratom powder than with leaves. And there are several ways to do this. You can use a boiling pot, a teapot, or make a sun tea. However, no matter what procedure you go with, you are bound to end up with a tea with a natural and earthy taste. While experienced users may have grown accustomed to this and some even prefer having this bitter taste, beginners often complain about it. But the good news is, you can reduce this bitter flavor by adding some ingredients to your kratom tea recipe.
Experts say there is no way to eliminate a bitter taste. The best you can do is to reduce or balance the flavor with sweet, salty, or high in fat ingredients. But how do you do that? Find out below.
The Best Ways to Neutralize the Bitter Taste of Kratom Tea
Kratom tea is one of the best ways to introduce the positive effects of kratom. However, some try to avoid it due to the amount of work it requires and the flavor that comes with it. But if you can find a way to neutralize the bitterness that’s associated with the kratom tree, then you are sure to find the process and experience more enjoyable. Here are some of the ways to do that:
- Salt: According to chefs, you can reduce the bitterness by adding a small amount of salt. This will get your taste buds into thinking that you’re drinking something salty not something bitter. Moreover, this will allow you to access the effects of kratom without having to deal with its bitterness. However, for some, a salty tea may not seem pleasing.
- Salt and Sugar: As mentioned, salt can cut the bitter flavor of your kratom tea. But since a salty tea doesn’t sound appealing, you may add sugar to entice your taste buds. Adding a pinch of salt and sugar allows you to better balance the bitter taste of kratom. This is because these two flavors complement each other. Notice how amazing your pancakes are if it comes with bacon and syrup? Or how salted caramels taste amazing? Many people even enjoy dipping their fries in their ice creams or chocolate shakes. This flavor combination is what you want for your kratom tea. You can also use honey as a substitute for sugar.
- Citrus: Don’t want to add salt? You can try adding citrus instead. This is an effective way of cutting through the grittiness and earthiness of kratom powder. You can use a lemon and add it to the batch of kratom tea you are preparing. Not only does it add flavor to your final mix, but it also helps preserve the alkaline content of your kratom tea. Just make sure to add honey with citrus to balance the taste.
- Hot Cocoa Mix: If you prefer a sweet drink, you may enjoy adding one teaspoon of hot cocoa mix to a cup of kratom tea to make it tastier. See, cocoa has a touch of earthiness flavor to it. You may not realize it since the sweet and chocolatey taste overpowers it. This is why it blends perfectly with kratom tea.
- Regular Tea Bags: Taking kratom powder with regular tea bags such as black tea or oolong tea is a great way to naturalize the earthy taste of the plant to better fit your palate. Just take one or two bags and brew them together. Then add a pinch of salt and a small amount of sugar.
Finding The Best Kratoms
To make kratom tea, you will need the best kratom and find the perfect ingredient to mix it with. See, you might need to try a couple of pairings before you find the one that tastes best for you. And if you are looking for a reputable online vendor to buy kratom, Kratom USA is one of your best options. Our collection of kratom powders are guaranteed to be the finest and purest in the world. Use Kratom USA today and enjoy your tea the way you want it to be.
If in case you have tried every ingredient possible but still can’t take the flavor of kratom, you may want to use kratom capsules instead. This is the easiest and sure-fire way to avoid tasting the bitter flavor of kratom and still experience its positive effects. It also saves you time from preparing tea. If you are interested, Kratom USA also offers kratom capsules.
Take note, however, that intake of high dosage, even in tea form, can cause side effects such as nausea and dizziness. Make sure to use the ideal dosage for your body so you can enjoy the benefits of kratom. See, the appropriate dose depends on several factors, including your health, age, weight, and other conditions. But as a guide, 2.4 grams is the ideal serving and you can only take 2 servings in a day. For beginners, remember to start slow.