Going commercial with Ontario ginseng

The London Free Press has an interesting article on the history of ginseng cultivation in Ontario, Canada and ongoing collaborative efforts by growers, academia, and industry to quantify and improve its properties.

Ontario’s ginseng root has more ginsenosides — steroid-like compounds believed to give ginseng its medical and other properties — than other forms.

The researchers are looking for proof that Ontario ginseng is distinct from other ginseng, such as the North American variety grown in China, so Ontario farmers can brand their product.

In the long run, they hope to develop an elite Ontario ginseng plant.

A survey from 2002 reported that ginseng was the most commonly used herbal supplement in the US.

8/17/08 14:06 JR