Kratom is typically extracted from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. The process of extracting kratom for use in products like seltzers involves several steps to ensure it is safe, effective, and compatible with beverages. Here’s how it works:
Harvesting and Drying: The kratom leaves are harvested when they are mature. After harvesting, the leaves are dried to preserve their alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are responsible for the plant’s effects.
Grinding and Powdering: Once dried, the leaves are ground into a fine powder. This powder is rich in alkaloids but not yet suitable for mixing into liquids like seltzers.
Extraction: To create a more concentrated form of kratom that can be easily infused into beverages, the powder is subjected to a liquid extraction process. This typically involves soaking the powdered kratom in a solvent, such as ethanol or water, to isolate the alkaloids. The resulting liquid extract is then filtered to remove plant matter and impurities.
Infusion into Seltzers: The kratom extract is now ready to be infused into seltzers. During the production of kratom seltzers, the extract is carefully blended with the carbonated water, flavoring agents, and other ingredients like sweeteners and preservatives. The concentration of kratom in each can is typically measured to ensure consistency in the effects and potency.
Quality Control: After infusion, the kratom seltzers undergo quality control testing to ensure the extract’s potency and the overall safety of the product. This helps to ensure that each batch has the intended amount of kratom and that the product is safe for consumption.
By following this method, kratom seltzers offer an easy and refreshing way to consume kratom, providing the user with the plant’s potential benefits in a convenient and enjoyable form.