TOPIC: Seng Graders?

How many grades of seng are there? Which is most sought after, which is least?

There are many grades.

In the US wild ginseng trade, the generally preferred material is larger rather than smaller, corky (light-weight) rather than boney (heavy and dense), darker skin rather than lighter, older rather than younger, and chunky or bulby rather than long and thin.

Damage or small are only valued at 1/3 or 1/2 price going market.

So, you see, quality is the primary driving factor. The closer you get to the ideal of old, bulby, darker root handled professionally which is corkey, the better you will do.

I have been told that there are, or were, grading boards/charts put together by some of the old timers. Does anyone know of anything along this line? Would you be willing to help create one? Seems like it would be beneficial to both buyers and diggers. Has to be something like this squirreled away in hong kong or something...

I've sent an e-mail to Dr. Jeanine Davis asking for her help, thus far no reply. Must be a well guarded secret if such a thing exists.