American Ginseng, 花旗蔘, 西洋蔘 and Asian Ginseng Explained
花旗蔘, 西洋蔘 and American ginseng are one plant with three names. Here is where each name comes from, and how American ginseng differs from Asian ginseng.
How to Tell a Ginseng Root's Age by Counting Neck Scars
A ginseng root leaves one scar on its neck each year, so you can estimate its age by counting them and adding one. Here is how to count, and how far to trust the result.
What's the Difference Between Bird's Nest Fragments and Whole Cups?
Fragments are real nest that broke off during cleaning. Here is how the grades work and what Carmen looks for before a batch goes on our shelf.
How to Choose and Soak Dried Sea Cucumber (What "Pieces per Pound" Means)
Fewer pieces per pound means bigger sea cucumbers. Here are the sizes we carry, where they come from, and the five-day soaking steps printed on our packages.
What Is the OGGA, and How Do You Check Its Ginseng Buyer List?
The OGGA represents Ontario's ginseng growers and publishes a public buyer list. Here is how to check a shop, and what a listing does and does not tell you.
How to Buy Authentic Canadian American Ginseng in Montreal
What proves where ginseng was grown? A practical guide to labels, the OGGA logo, authorized retailers and CITES paperwork.