General Information
American ginseng is used throughout Asia, the Americas and Europe as a medicinal plant. Its unique ginsenoside profile provides a cooling stimulating effect (energy boosting yin tonic), unlike Asian ginsengs that have heating and stimulating properties (Tierra, 1988). For this reason, American ginseng is highly prized for use especially in summer months. It is often recommended for use by women where herbalists do not recommend Asian ginsengs. Because American ginseng is a cooling stimulant, younger people can safely consume it too (Hobbs, 1996). Ginseng is also used for its ability to relieve hangover symptoms. It is an excellent "after drinking" tonic.
Processing
Root Parts
Root: This generally refers to the tap root with prongs and fiber removed. Most roots should have a head and tail. We size them in small, medium and large.
Prong: These are the side root branches removed from the main tap root when grading whole ginseng roots. Prongs are generally smaller than the major tap root, but with a larger diameter than fibers. Prongs generally have no head or neck but sometimes we see a head on a prong because the cutting and sorting processes are not so precise. Prongs can also come in different sizes if we sift them, so it is often possible to purchase only larger sized prongs or smaller sized prongs.
Fibers: During the initial processing steps, after drying, we shake the fibers off of the main tap roots and prongs. The primary uses for fibers are for grinding, extracting and addition directly to chocolates or other food products.
Ginsenosides
Ginsenoside levels of American ginseng can range from five to eighteen percent. The highest levels of ginsenosides are generally found in the fibers and the lowest levels are found in the main tap root. The prongs have levels somewhere between the levels found in tap roots and fibers.
American ginseng tends to have higher concentrations of ginsenosides than Asian and Korean ginsengs and the ratios of ginsenosides are quite different between Asian and American ginsengs. This may explain why American ginseng is considered more cooling and calming (yin). Korean ginseng has more stimulatory and heating effects (yang).
Root ginsenoside levels typically range between 6 and 10 percent. Prong's ginsenoside levels typically range between 8 and 12 percent. Fiber's ginsenoside levels typically range between 8 and 18 percent.
Ginsenosides also impart the distinctive ginseng bitter flavor that is well known to ginseng users. Manufacturers should control and standardize the concentration of ginsenosides in an American ginseng-based food or beverage product to provide a consistent flavor in the finished consumer product.
Product Applications
Some popular products made from ginseng include many types of ginseng herbal teas sold in tea bags, granules and ready-to-drink cans. The dried roots, prongs and especially the fibers can be steeped in hot water to produce a liquid tea that manufacturers can sweeten and package aseptically.
Nutritional capsules and tablets made from powdered ginseng roots and ginseng root extracts are also popular ways to consume American ginseng. Small bottles or ampules containing extracts of ginseng are available in health food and convenience stores. Manufacturers often blend American ginseng with other herbal extracts, honey and/or royal jelly or bee pollen.
There are already many herbal soft drinks containing ginseng in the U.S.A. Some of the soft drinks contain ginger or other herbs that are known to promote good health or provide an energy boost. Fruit flavors can also be added.
The supplementation of chewing gums and candies with ginseng are also popular applications. Confectionery companies can blend small pieces of American ginseng fibers into dark chocolate to add special flavor and texture while promoting energy and good health. Energy bars for athletes and sports enthusiasts are other good applications for American ginseng. American ginseng brandy is yet another creative application.
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