How to dry ginseng is a common question among herbalists and enthusiasts? There are several considerations to consider when drying ginseng. First, we must understand that the quality of the plant depends on the amount of water it gets. Dry ginseng will release more sap than wet ginseng. Dried ginseng will retain more of the original essential oil.
The second consideration is the speed with which the herb is harvested. The faster it is harvested, the greater the quantity of leaves will have been utilized. Dry ginseng is usually harvested using a cutting wheel while wetting ginseng is usually done by hand. Some herbs, like wild ginger, are easier to dry than others. A properly harvested alternative crop of ginseng will produce a thicker root than dried ginger and more leaves than a cut root.
The third consideration deals with drying times. Most commercial production relies on drying within one day. Ginseng roots are kept in darkness, so the oils produced by the roots deplete very quickly once they are exposed to air. In order for ginseng to retain a significant amount of oil it must be dried within one day. The total ginsenoside concentration will rise significantly.
How to dry ginseng can also be done in one of three ways. Direct sun or air drying is the most common method used by herbalists in their home gardens. Kits are available that have a ceramic plate in which the herb is placed after being washed, a metal rack in which the herb is suspended, and wooden blocks in which the herb is placed flatly on top of the racks. All three methods are effective but each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Direct sun drying is a convenient method for how to dry ginseng root because it is easy and inexpensive to do. Kits are available from most garden centers or holistic healing centers. In most cases, the herb is placed on the racks while it dries. The roots can then be easily vacuumed out of the kits. Kits can be purchased for use several times a year.
Kits for drying American ginseng also come with a tray and pan. The herbs are placed on the panax quinquefolius herb tray, which is constructed from cast-metal. To dry American ginseng more completely, it is placed in a pan with a ceramic plate in which the herbs are placed. Because panax quinquefolius is a native perennial herb, it must be stored in a specially made climate-controlled environment. These special rooms are called storage cabinets. The herbs are hung upside down from the trays are placed in the cabinets for the winter.
Panax ginseng roots can be stored in a variety of ways. They can be stored in a silo, where they will be protected from the harsh elements. A silo can be constructed of wood, metal or plastic. Many people choose to build a one-person ginseng workshop as an alternative crop to harvesting it.
How to dry ginseng roots depends not only on the type of plant, but also on the length of time the roots have been growing. The longer the perennial root life, the longer it takes to dry and reconstitute the plant into a finished product. The shorter the perennial root life, the faster and easier it will be to get your finished product. This is why the amount of time it takes to reconstitute varies according to the type of plant.
Some of the methods that are used to dry ginseng include: using paper bags, using air-drying chambers and drying on a drying rack. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Using paper bags is the easiest of the methods. Just break the ginseng roots into small pieces and place them into small paper bags, which are then placed into the air-drying chamber.
When using paper bags, it is important to first soak the bag in water to remove any moisture. Then, while the herb is in the bag, add enough of fresh water to wet the herb completely and set the bag in a cool place for two days. Once the bag has reached it’s maximum moisture content, remove it from the heat source and store it in a dry place.
When drying ginseng in a chamber, it is important to use strong air-dryers or heat lamps to speed up the drying process. When drying in an air-drying chamber, it is best to avoid putting the herb in direct sunlight. It is also wise to place the herb in a room temperature, with a minimum of humidity. The dried ginsenosides can then be spread on a baking sheet and allowed to dry completely before using.
