Most of the world celebrates the New Year on January 1st, with traditions like champagne toasts or New Year’s resolutions. But there’s another New Year’s celebration where Wisconsin agriculture becomes a central tradition – the Chinese New Year, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse.
Wisconsin is number 1 in the U.S. in the production of ginseng, accounting for up to 98 percent of all ginseng produced in the country, according to the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Here are five things to know about this valuable Wisconsin specialty crop.
1. International Recognition
According to Wisconsin Ginseng Director Jackie Fett, the Chinese holiday is the biggest time of year for Wisconsin ginseng growers. This is because the world-renowned American ginseng has cultural significance as a gift, especially to the elderly, which shows a sign of respect.
Wisconsin produces roughly 1 million pounds of ginseng, she says, with 80 percent of it going to Asian markets. China is the largest buyer.
2. Health Benefits of Ginseng
The Chinese believe American Ginseng is effective in creating a calming effect, supporting improved energy and longevity. According to the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, many Native American tribes used ginseng to treat headaches, fever, and indigestion. Today, the promise of the health benefits of American Ginseng is drawing attention from Western researchers.
The primary active ingredients of American Ginseng are ginsenosides and polysaccharide glycans. These compounds are believed to provide “adaptogen” benefits that balance hormones and help the body stay calm. Adaptogenic herbs have been used for thousands of years as natural remedies and have exploded in popularity over the last couple of years.
3. Trade Volatility
According to Dave Schumacher, vice president of the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, there are two barriers to trade into their top market: tariffs and permits. In addition, he says the industry is also competing with other countries that grow ginseng at a cheaper rate.
Schumacher says the board is exploring new market opportunities to offset barriers to China, including domestic markets through programs like Alice in Dairyland.
“We will continue to work on the medical research side for that reason,” he says. “If we can prove what ginseng is good for, then people are more accustomed to trying it.”
4. Fickle Growing Requirements
American Ginseng, unlike soybeans, hay, corn, or other well-known Wisconsin crops, takes a minimum of three to four years to reach maturity after planting.
Once you grow American Ginseng on a piece of land, it will never grow there again. Even after 100 years, ginseng will not repopulate the same field.
5. Find a Local Ginseng Grower Near You
Marathon County is the top ginseng-growing county in the state, producing about 95 percent of Wisconsin’s annual crop.
You can buy Wisconsin Ginseng fresh or dried. It comes in slices, pieces, powders, capsules, or whole roots. You’ll also find it on its own or combined with other ingredients for teas and supplements.
Find trusted retailers at https://realwisconsinginseng.com.
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