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Determine Ginseng QualityDetermine Ginseng Quality

How To Determine The Quality Of Ginseng

Ginseng–as is befitting of its term as a ‘cure-all’–has beneficial impacts on the brain function, liver function, immune function, and even sexual function. But here’s the truth. Not all ginseng is created equal! And this then begs the fundamental question: “How would I know if the ginseng I’m buying is of high-quality?” Ginseng is expensive, after all. This article will cover a list of things you should take note of when purchasing ginseng to help you out.

Now, the first thing you should know is that a significant factor in determining quality in medicinal herbs is the concentration of those constituents that lead to a health benefit. And while there have been several bioactive constituents identified in ginseng (including polysaccharides), it’s widely recognised that a ginseng’s concentration of ginsenosides is the most crucial quality marker. Meaning that high-quality ginseng is one that’s highest in ginsenosides content!

A ginseng’s age is key

Here’s something you should know right off the bat. The total ginsenoside concentration in roots increases with the plant’s age. To be specific, it is well-known that the content of ginsenosides in ginseng root increases from 1 to 5 years. On the contrary, however, there is currently little evidence that showcases the change in ginsenosides in plants of 5 to 18 years. What does this mean? Well, it just implies that there’s likely little benefit to picking 6-year-old ginseng compared to the 5-year-old one.

Another reason why you should choose 5-year ginseng? Its taste. In general, 3-year ginseng is known to have a bitter taste, while 4-year ginseng tends to be rather bland. Once they reach the 5-year mark, however, they develop an aromatic, sweet taste that’s very pleasant on the palate.

How to determine the age of a ginseng

But… How would you know the age of ginseng? It’s not like you could simply ask it. Also, a seller may not be entirely honest with you (unfortunately). Luckily, you can quickly determine the age of ginseng by counting the number of stem scars off the root neck attachment. Each year of plant growth adds a stem scar to the root neck attachment after every stem dies back in the fall. That means five-year-old American ginseng will have 4 stem scars on the root neck attachment. If it has fewer than that, you’re likely being cheated. Keep your eyes sharp!

How to tell ginseng age

Be wary of defects

In addition to counting the number of stem scars on your ginseng, you should also be wary of ginseng diseases. You can easily spot these diseases once you’ve cut into the ginseng. For example:

A ring of red dots (much like tree rings) around its circumference – Ginseng with this disease have a nasty, sour taste.
Dark green to black patches – Ginseng with this disease have an unpleasant bitter taste.

How to identify defective ginseng?

Good quality ginseng

Red defective ginseng

Green/black defective ginseng

Do note that the flesh of healthy, good-quality ginseng is creamy-white, complete with a yellow circle. Any physical deviations would mean that the ginseng has been infected with a disease, like the Alternaria Panax. Infected ginseng will smell and taste ‘off.’ Definitely not what you want to spend money on!