Author Topic: drying ginseng  (Read 3700 times)

Offline KennyMoore

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drying ginseng
« on: September 19, 2014, 09:51:16 AM »
Hey guys nice forum you have. My question is for those who cool your roots in the frig,how often do you turn them and do you use a lid on the cardboard box?..Thank you.

Offline Brad

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Re: drying ginseng
« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2014, 01:40:02 PM »
Hi,

Welcome!  Thanks for the kind words.

If you are conditioning your harvested roots, make sure they are dry on the surface before putting them in the fridge, and don't cover them at all.  The idea is to let them start the drying process in the fridge.  They can lose about 25% of their weight in a cooler over a month's time.  This causes the roots to senesce and the starches will change to sugars.  The end result is a lighter/less dense or corky root which is more desirable and valuable on the market.

I'm afraid if you cover them with anything you will trap in moisture which might lead to mold.  I would check them every day or so and maybe turn them over as you noted.

Offline KennyMoore

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Re: drying ginseng
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2014, 06:45:17 PM »
Thank you for the response Brad,that's what i needed to know.