Herbuyer wrote:May I ask in which County(s) of TN the roots are collected in?
There are some differences in wild root character across TN. The higher elevation up and down the western slopes and foothills of the Smokies differs from the Cumberlands and that of west of Nashville. Soil type, elevation, growing season, etc..., and these factors should have an effect on the local price.
We should remember that regardless of the region we collect in the value of our personal collection will be effected by the choices we make while harvesting.
Harvesting small undersized roots from imature plants, cutting breaking and otherwise damaging roots, improper washing and curing techniques will all lead to lower price quotes in the end.
Herbuyer,
Let's just say in the foothills of the Smokies on private land and leave it at that! I learned all too well and long ago, to never give out the locations of where I find my' Ginseng. The minute you do, you will have an influx of other diggers invade your general area.
I have dug Wild American Ginseng all across East Tennessee to Northern West Virginia. I have also dug it from lower elevation hills, ridges and mountains to quite a bit over 3,000 feet and even in subdivisions in some cities. From my experience, I have seen very little difference in characteristics except size and sometimes color or shades. When digging in the lower elevations, often times the Ginseng will be growing in clay or semi-Clay soil which will turn it reddish but it will weigh much more than Ginseng growing in mountain black (rich) dirt. (Yes, it is often not wanted by Ginseng Buyers!) Also, when found growing near or amongst Pine Trees and sometimes Fir Trees, the Ginseng will also have more weight than that found in mountain black dirt but shwo very little difference otherwise. The Ginseng growing in the previous two mentioned areas, can be moved and re-planted to a more friendly environment (mountain black dirt), not only for growing but also for selling as this Ginseng will eventually eminate the characteristics of it's mountain grown kin. I am not saying that local Ginseng Buyers will or have done so but it has been my experience, that there are some Buyers that will Hee-Haw a digger by saying that their' Ginseng is too this or too that, in an attempt to purchase it at a lower price. Any Ginseng Buyer that starts degrading or talking crap about my' Ginseng, will likely go home without it!
I have been harvesting, drying and selling Ginseng off and on for some 43 years. I know probably as much if not more than you may know about Ginseng overall as well as harvesting, drying and selling! How often do you come across anyone and especially someone that is still alive that has dug everything from 3 prongs to 8 prongs, well I have! I dig nothing but 3 pronged and larger (older) plants and many times I do not dig small 3 pronged plants at all. All seeds are planted around or in the general vicinity of where the producing plant was found (i.e. sometimes I will plant them higher up on the mountain for better distribution of seeds in years to come).
Frank
