Does wild ginseng grow in New York State?
Ginseng, the herbal remedy used by Chinese healers for more than 4,000 years, grows wild in New York, where growers are beginning to see a blossoming industry. This ancient plant has been gaining new agricultural product importance over the past few years.
Can you harvest ginseng in New York?
The state harvest season for wild ginseng is September 1 to November 30. Sale of fresh (“green”) ginseng is prohibited from January 1 to August 31, and of dried ginseng from April 1 to September 15, except that dried ginseng weighed and recorded by the state by March 31 may be sold at any time.
How much is ginseng worth in NY?
“Because the roots live longer [in the Catskills], it precedes quality,” says Bob Beyfuss of Preston Hollow, who has been harvesting ginseng for 40 years. He says that while ginseng harvested from Kentucky is valued at $400 to $500 per pound, ginseng from New York is worth as much as double.
Where is the best place to find ginseng?
American ginseng is found throughout deciduous forests in eastern and central United States and in southeastern Canada. It is a slow-growing perennial that typically grows 8 to 15 inches tall. It grows predominantly in woodland, favoring slopes with rich soil and dense shade.
How much is a pound of ginseng root worth?
One pound of “wet” ginseng dehydrates to about a third of a pound of dry. The average price paid for the 2019-20 season was $550 per pound for dry and $160 per pound for green. It takes almost 300 roots to make one pound of dry ginseng.
How much is wild ginseng worth?
DNR records indicate that over the last 10 years, annual wild ginseng prices have ranged from $250 to $880 per pound, with an average annual price of $483 per pound. The baseline price used for this analysis is $480.
How do you know if its ginseng?
Identifying American Ginseng American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) can be most easily identified by its three-pronged (or more) five-leaflet display of the mature plant. W. Scott Persons, in "American Ginseng, Green Gold," says the best way to identify "sang" during the digging season is to look for the red berries.
What states have wild 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.
Who buys ginseng in New York?
Catskill Mountain Ginseng CoCatskill Mountain Ginseng Co is a licensed ginseng dealer who buys and sells wild ginseng. We offer the highest buying prices in New York State and we are always sure to be cordial, honest and fair with our diggers. We have been digging for over 30 years so we understand the time and work that goes into it.
Is it illegal to dig ginseng?
0:342:24Illegal ginseng harvesting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's also illegal to harvest wild ginseng too early the plant must be five years or older. And haveMoreIt's also illegal to harvest wild ginseng too early the plant must be five years or older. And have at least three separate stems.
How do you identify ginseng in the woods?
Try to identify the ginseng by looking for its single stem ending at the top with 1-4 leaves, each with its own leaflets. Leave the young plants and the more mature plants with whitish green flowers to grow some more, and harvest just the fully mature ones that have red berries.
How much is a pound of ginseng?
The average price per pound was $600.00 at mid-season point (October), which is quite high compared to other years, also illustrating the erratic nature in the ginseng market. Prices per pound did have the same result as many years, in that the later in the harvesting or selling season, the higher the price.
Is harvesting ginseng illegal?
The harvest of wild ginseng is illegal, but the high price opens up a black market to the plant. A commercial ginseng operation. Ginseng typically takes over 10 years to reach maturity in the wild, but under artificial environments can be grown in as little as four.
Why is growing ginseng illegal?
Ginseng in the wild is endangered because the method of harvesting involves digging up its roots, which is why harvesting wild ginseng is highly regulated in the US and is illegal in some states.
Is ginseng protected?
Since 1975, ginseng has been listed as protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the global treaty intended to prevent plants and animals with commercial value from being wiped out.
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.