Independent ginseng expert, Bob Beyfuss, explains the differences between woods-cultivated, wild-simulated and truly wild ginseng. We review the methods for cultivation and the resulting appearance and monetary values that are attached to each type of ginseng.
The forest type and the understory herbaceous layer are equally important when it comes to determining a good site to plant ginseng. The forest type will determine the proper shade levels and general soil type that will support ginseng while the understory plants can give clues as to the level of deer predation and shade. Bob Beyfuss explains which plants are good indicator plants for a ginseng site and why.
After evaluating the forest type and understory herbaceous layer, the next step is to plant the ginseng. This generally occurs in the fall of the year as the ginseng seed needs two cold treatments to break dormancy. We take a look at the method for planting ginseng in this video.
From seed to seed-bearing plant, Bob Beyfuss explains the life cycle of ginseng. After two cold treatments, the ginseng seed’s embryo is ready to germinate. We take a look a wild ginseng plant’s root that has the following spring’s buds already formed underground
How is ginseng processed after harvesting? Bob Beyfuss discusses the medicinal properties of both the ginseng leaves and roots and explains new and traditional methods of consuming ginseng.