Drying and packing your ginseng roots

After you have harvested your ginseng crop you need to clean and dry them in preparation for selling them. Here are the steps you should follow:

1 - Carefully wash the roots under cool running water, removing all loose soil except for the little black "rings" of soil that is stuck in the shallow indentations. Leaving these small rings of soil will enhance the value of the roots.

2 - Place the clean roots on bed of screen wire located in a cool, dry shaded room. Do not attempt to dry them in the sun or in an oven as this will surely discolor them and render them virtually worthless.

3 - Allow the roots to air-dry until they become brittle and threaten to snap when bent. Depending on the size of the roots, the drying process could take from a few days to a week or more.

4 - If you plan to sell your roots locally you can simply place them in an open brown paper bag or cardboard box, then store them in a cool, dry, shady place until you're ready to take them to the buyer.

If you'll be shipping your roots to the buyer, place them inside a waterproof plastic bag, then pack the bag inside a sturdy cardboard box for shipping. If possible, send the package "overnight" to reduce the chances of loss or damage. Always insure your packages of ginseng roots for the maximum allowed by the carrier.

Note: It is always safer to deliver your roots to the buyer in person if at all possible.