Why so many Amanita caps are weak af: The Role of Packaging and Storage
- Kestra
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
So you ordered 20 grams of dried Amanita caps from a "reputable vendor" online and finally received your order in the mail:
"Omg this is going to be awesome! I'm going to zen out and it's going to be so chill and I will harness creative forces that have been dormant after all these anxiety ridden years!!!"
You're smart so you start out with 2 grams.
Nothing happens.
An hour later you eat 2 more. Still nothing.
By the end of the day you've munched through damn near all 20 grams and still, NOTHING!
WTF?, you rightfully ask?
The Role of storage and packing for Amanita
Along our journey at Kestra, we tried various reputable online vendors before starting our own project.
We noticed that most vendors ignore one of the most significant factors in ensuring Amanita dried caps retain their potency:, storage and packaging.
Why is this so damn important?
👉🏼 The active compounds in Amanita (including and especially muscimol) are extremely prone to rapid degradation when exposed to air (oxygen) and sunlight.¹
This means they lose potency very quickly if exposed to oxygen. Some call it AIR.
The same goes for sunlight exposure.
In short, if vendors cheap out on storage materials, there is a very high chance that your mushrooms might be bunk even by the time they arrive in your mailbox.
Shitty storage materials also can lead to the mushrooms molding, which no one should be near (least of all eat).
The chances of weak caps (or moldy caps) obviously increase if the vendor's in-house storage methods (for their inventory) are also inadequate.
What counts as shitty storage methods and materials?
Anything made of paper, cardboard, and almost all "biodegradable" materials. These porous materials mean constant exposure to oxygen, and moisture.
Anything clear, including plastic bags, which are always susceptible to sunlight. Cheap plastic bags are also inadequate for keeping oxygen and moisture at bay.
Any vacuum sealed bags without oxygen absorbing packs (otherwise known as desiccant packs). This creates an environment ripe for mold to form. Also, most vacuum sealed bags are clear, which allows sunlight in all day.
As a consumer, you should also be wary of any vendor who doesn't provide storage instructions, which by now you can see is a pretty damn important factor in retaining the potency and integrity of your beloved Amanita caps!
What are the best options for storage method and materials?
Hands down the best material is resealable mylar bags WITH oxygen absorbing packs. Here's why:
They block all sunlight and oxygen while also absorbing any remaining oxygen after the initial sealing (from the desiccant packs).
They are non-reactive, meaning they do not degrade or decompose over time into potentially harmful byproducts that could affect potency/integrity
Reseal-ability provides ongoing protection from oxygen exposure after they are opened for the first time
Can reuse them to no end
Another viable option:
Air tight glass jars with oxygen absorbing packs.
You won't find any vendors using these however, due to their high price and shipping difficulties.
If you do use these at home, just make sure to keep them away from sunlight, and make sure they are in fact airtight (Ball jars or similar).
Where do I find Amanita caps that are stored properly?
Duh. Here at Kestra! Check out our dried caps buy page here, and don't forget to Go Slow <3
*All products at Kestra Botanicals are intended for RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY
