The first thing you notice when you begin shopping for kratom is the amount and variety of choices out there. The kaleidoscopic array of different colors, strains, and ways to enjoy kratom can feel overwhelming. That’s why we put together this handy kratom buying guide, and an accompanying kratom strains chart, in order to help steer you in the right direction.
The Different Colors (Veins / Strains) of Kratom
There are three primary colors (also known as “strains” or “veins”) of kratom: white, green, and red. As we’ve discussed in previous blog posts, this distinction pertains to the color of the veins in the kratom leaves at the time of harvesting and drying. This vein color changes as the leaves grow and mature—from white to green to red—and the alkaloid levels within change along with it.
This means that each strain of kratom has its own unique blend of characteristics and benefits. In this kratom buying guide we’ll be looking at all three strains. You can follow along with our quick-reference kratom strains chart below.
White Vein Kratom
White strains of kratom are produced from leaves that are young and in the early stages of development. These youthful leaves (and their accompanying alkaloids) are handpicked while they are still vibrant and robust, and their white veins are packed with energy. They are perfect companions for productivity and socializing, more so than relaxation.
As you can see in our kratom strains chart, this is the strain of kratom with the fewest varieties.
Green Vein Kratom
Green strains of kratom stem from leaves that have developed into adulthood, but not yet reached full maturity. Their veins have begun to darken at this point from white to deep (and even dark) green. Green strains are known as the perfect middle-ground between white strains and red strains, with a balanced blend of stimulating and relaxing aromas.
If you’re new to kratom, here’s our advice: for the purposes of this kratom buying guide, we think green strains are usually the best place to start.
Red Vein Kratom
Finally, red strains of kratom are created by processing the leaves when they have reached full maturity. These leaves are either harvested late in their development from the plant itself, or even collected once they’ve fallen to the ground naturally. At this point, the hues of the veins have aged into a dark and earthy reddish-brown. Their now-mellow alkaloid levels are ideal for times of relief and relaxation.
This kratom buying guide focuses on all three strains! We don’t have a favorite—each strain has its own uses and advantages.
The Different Varieties of Kratom
As you can see in the kratom strains chart, kratom is often further characterized with names like “Maeng Da,” “Malay,” and “Bali.” These secondary names are either derived from a particular kratom tree varietal or the geographic location where a specific strain was grown. These kratom types may contain a single vein-color or a combination of two or more (like our beautiful Green/White Jawi Blend, for example).
We want to give you some useful specifics in this kratom buying guide; here are some of the most popular types of kratom strains:
Maeng Da Kratom
Potent and pure, “Maeng Da” is a slang term in Thailand that means “pimp.” Maeng Da strains are created by selectively grafting other strains of kratom together to cultivate a higher alkaloid content.
Maeng Da is famous for being notably stronger than other strains and can be found in all three veins: white Maeng Da, green Maeng Da, and red Maeng Da. We also sell a house Triple Blend of all three veins.
Malay Kratom
Next up in our kratom buying guide is Malay kratom. These strains come from a type of kratom tree that originated originally from the lush, tropical forests of Malaysia. Nowadays they’re grown all throughout Southeastern Asia due to the high demand for such a robust, hearty varietal. Like Maeng Da, Malay also boasts a higher-than-average alkaloid content, although in this case this potency is naturally occurring.
Malay kratom, likewise, can be found in all three veins: white Malay, green Malay, and red Malay. Check out our kratom strains chart for more info.
Bali Kratom
Bali kratom is native to Bali, Indonesia. It is considered a premium strain, and is favored by many who enjoy kratom, second only to Maeng Da in popularity. Compared to Maeng Da and Malay, however, it offers a much milder aroma and lighter essence, and is an excellent starting strain in our kratom buying guide.
Once again, Bali Kratom can be found in all three veins: white Bali, green Bali, and red Bali.
Borneo Kratom
Borneo kratom strains originated on the small, densely populated Borneo Island. Borneo kratom possesses a unique blend of alkaloids known for being decently strong and ostensibly faster acting than other strains.
As shown in our kratom strains chart, Borneo kratom can be found in all three veins: white Borneo, green Borneo, and red Borneo.
Elephant Kratom
Last up in our kratom buying guide is elephant kratom. Whereas most kratom strains are named after the region of Asia to which they are native, elephant kratom was named after its unusually large “elephant ear” leaves.
Although it, too, can be found in all three veins, the most popular tend to be green elephant and white elephant kratom, as the large, young leaves contain higher-than-average energizing and mood boosting essences.
Your Options for Enjoying the Kratom Experience
Okay, so you’ve found a kratom that looks promising. The next question is: how would you like to experience it? No kratom buying guide would be complete without a look at the most common options:
- Kratom Capsules: Perfect for convenience and consistency. This is a great choice for kratom newcomers and people who like their daily routines. When you’ve found a specific amount of kratom that consistently works for you, you can just reach for a capsule. No hassle, no fuss. You don’t have to waste time measuring or mixing, and you don’t have to deal with the bitterness of the kratom.
- Kratom Powder: The ultimate in control and versatility. This way you can measure different amounts depending on what you want. We sell loose powder kratom in both small and bulk quantities for your convenience. For the purposes of this kratom buying guide, we believe loose powder is the best choice for people who want to keep their options open.
- Kratom Extract Shots: Kratom extraction takes the powerful plant alkaloids out of the kratom leaves and puts them into a pure, concentrated form. Like other plant extracts and essentials, kratom extract therefore offers a much more concentrated experience and a distinct kratom aroma. You’ll always pay a little more for the concentrated punch of kratom extract, but we keep our prices affordable.
All Set? Buy Kratom Now, or Learn More in Our Blog
We hope this kratom buying guide and kratom strains chart has been helpful! At Greg’s Botanical we have a reputation for providing our customers with good information. We don’t just want to earn a sale at any cost: We want you to be satisfied with us and come back again! We produce our kratom right here in the US, on the island of Puerto Rico, to bring you the greatest quality in the market!
For more kratom resources and info, check out the Greg’s Botanical Blog.