The root of the ginseng plant has been coveted for thousands of years as a natural curative. ... Because the slow-growing plant is destroyed to harvest the root , those who illegally harvest ginseng can face stiff fines or imprisonment.
How much is ginseng worth in KY?
Ginseng may go for between $400 and $1,000 a pound , but Childress says it takes hundreds of dried roots to make weight. Childress says a pound and a half is typically his whole take for a year.
Does ginseng grow in Kentucky?
Kentucky is one of 19 states with a wild ginseng program in place, thanks to the Commonwealth having an abundance of forested habitat that is ideal for growing the plant. In fact, eastern Kentucky is regarded as one of the most prominent areas in the United States for ginseng to flourish.
How much is a pound of ginseng root worth?
The price of wild ginseng roots has climbed in the last decade. Now domestic buyers pay $500 to $600 per pound compared with about $50 per pound of cultivated roots. Law enforcement officials say the prices have pushed people looking for quick money into the woods.
Which state produces the most wild ginseng?
Ontario, Canada, is the world’s largest producer of North American ginseng. Marathon County, Wisconsin , accounts for about 95% of production in the United States.
Where is the best place to find ginseng in Kentucky?
Kentucky is one of 19 states with a wild ginseng program in place, thanks to the Commonwealth having an abundance of forested habitat that is ideal for growing the plant. In fact, eastern Kentucky is regarded as one of the most prominent areas in the United States for ginseng to flourish.
Will deer eat ginseng?
Do deer eat ginseng? Yes, they do and will most likely cause irreversible damage to acres of ginseng roots . If you are cultivating farmed ginseng, consider erecting a fence around your roots.
How long does a ginseng plant live?
Each year of plant growth and die off adds a stem scar—a knobby ring—to the rhizome, so a five-year-old plant will have four stem scars on the rhizome. Some ginseng plants can live more than fifty years .
What states allow you to grow ginseng?
There are 19 states that allow harvesting of wild ginseng for export: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin .
Why is wild ginseng so valuable?
There are two reasons its so expensive. Some Chinese people believe ginseng roots are good medicine – even an aphrodisiac. They think roots that lived in a nature for a long time are much more potent than farmed ginseng, which costs a tiny fracture of this amount. It’s an investment commodity.
How much ginseng does it take to make a pound?
30 to 100 dried roots will generally make a pound of ginseng.
How much is an acre of ginseng worth?
The ginseng market varies from year to year, but when the price is high it’s possible to net up to $50,000 per acre . There is one drawback: it takes from five to 10 years for the roots to reach a marketable size.
Where does ginseng grow the best?
The most favorable temperature and soil moisture conditions generally are associated with north or east facing slopes with at least a 75 per cent shade canopy. The best shade is provided by deep rooted, deciduous trees such as poplars and oaks. Ginseng grows best in a moist, well drained soil .
What climate is best for ginseng?
Ginseng grows best under conditions that simulate its natural habitat. It requires 70% to 90% natural or artificial shade. Ginseng thrives in a climate with 40 to 50 in. of annual precipitation and an average temperature of 50°F.
Where can I find ginseng in the woods?
Go to forests that have Beech Trees , Maple Trees, Hickory trees, Oak Trees, Basswood Trees, and Tulip Poplar Trees. Ginseng grows well in the shade of these trees. If you begin to harvest late into the season, you may have more difficulty finding ginseng.
Can you eat ginseng berries?
Many people use only the ginseng root for tea, which is purported to relieve stress, maintain stamina, increase focus, and boost immunity. ... The concentrate is usually added to tea and often sweetened with honey. It’s safe to eat raw berries too , which are said to be mildly tart but rather flavorless.
