Ginseng is a common traditional Chinese medicine with high demand. However, due to the decreasing availability of wild ginseng, it is now cultivated in many regions. So, does cultivated ginseng have nutritional value? Let's find out.
Does artificially cultivated ginseng have nutritional value?
Cultivated ginseng has some nutritional value, but due to its shorter cultivation period, its nutritional content is somewhat reduced, and its medicinal effects and nutrients may not be as good as wild ginseng. However, it can still replenish vital energy, improve immunity, and promote metabolism.
The difference between cultivated and wild ginseng
1. Growing environment
Wild ginseng grows in its natural environment, free from human interference and pollution, allowing it to absorb the essence of heaven and earth and develop its unique medicinal properties. Cultivated ginseng, on the other hand, needs to be grown in gardens or greenhouses, and is affected by various factors such as soil, water, climate, fertilization, and pests and diseases, making it difficult to achieve the same quality as wild ginseng.
2. Growth period
Wild ginseng typically takes more than 10 years to grow, and some even reach over 100 years, thus its medicinal effects are much stronger. Cultivated ginseng, on the other hand, can usually be harvested after 3-6 years, and its medicinal effects are relatively weaker.
3. Appearance characteristics
Wild ginseng typically has an irregular, forked shape with obvious nodes and textures, a darker color, and a harder texture. Cultivated ginseng, on the other hand, is generally conical or cylindrical, with a smoother surface, a lighter color, and a softer texture.
4.Chemical composition
Both wild and cultivated ginseng contain a variety of active ingredients, such as saponins, polysaccharides, volatile oils, amino acids, and trace elements. However, the content and proportion of these ingredients in wild ginseng are higher than in cultivated ginseng, especially saponins, which are the main components that determine the medicinal efficacy of ginseng.
5. Price differences
Wild ginseng grows in the wild, so it tends to be more expensive. Cultivated ginseng, on the other hand, is cheaper.
