By Sue Mah
Did you know that ginseng is grown right here in Canada? Read more about this unique crop and some of its potential health benefits.
1. Ginseng is a Canadian crop!
Canadian ginseng, also known as Panax quinquefolius or North American ginseng, is a perennial crop that was first discovered growing near Montreal in the 1700s. With its sandy fertile soils, southwestern Ontario produces the most and highest quality Canadian ginseng in the world. According to the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association, there are 145 ginseng growers in the province. About 95% of the ginseng grown in Canada is exported.1
2. It takes 4-5 years to grow ginseng.
Ginseng is a slow-growing root. Once the seed has been planted, it takes 4-5 years for ginseng to be harvested. Since direct sunlight is detrimental to the ginseng plant, growers use dark canopies to shade the crop. The ginseng plant grows to about one foot (30 cm) in height while the root reaches between 2-3 inches (5-8.5 cm) in length. After harvest, ginseng can’t be planted in the same spot twice due to replant disease. This is a soil-borne disease that prevents the cultivation of a second crop of ginseng on the same land for even 40 to 50 years later. As a result, there can be a shortage of suitable land for growing ginseng.
3. Ginseng contains active compounds called ginsenosides.
Ginsenosides are active compounds which may offer health benefits. Research suggests that ginsenosides can help support a healthy immune system. For example, a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that ginseng may reduce the severity of colds and flus as well as lower the chances of developing recurrent colds.2 Ginseng may also benefit cognition with studies suggesting that ginseng may improve working memory and reaction time.3
4. Canadian ginseng is different than Asian ginseng.
The growing environment affects the types of ginsenosides found in ginseng. Canadian ginseng contains a different mix of ginsenosides than Asian ginseng (also called Panax ginseng). Whereas Canadian ginseng is said to have more of a Yin or relaxing effect, Asian ginseng is believed to have a Yang or energizing effect.
5. Dried ginseng is available in different formats.
Dried ginseng is available as a whole root, sliced and as a powder. Ginseng has an earthy taste. An easy way to try ginseng is to make a tea: add a few slices of dried ginseng to hot water, steep for a few minutes and then add honey or another sweetener if you’d like. You can also add powdered ginseng to a smoothie or baked goods. Look for Canadian ginseng which are marked “Product of Canada” or go to GinsengOntario.com to find a local retailer.
References:
- Ginseng Farm. Farm FoodCare 360º. https://www.farmfood360.ca/en/ginseng/. ↩︎
- Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin R, et al. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2005 Oct 25;173(9):1043-8 doi 10.1503/cmaj.1041470. ↩︎
- Scholey A, Ossoukhova A, Owen L, et al. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010 Oct;212(3):345-356. doi 10.1007/s00213-010-1964-y. ↩︎
