How To Use Ginseng

One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive is "How is ginseng used?".  Although ginseng is considered a medicinal herb, it is also incorporated into cooking and teas.  The most common uses for the whole ginseng root, ginseng tea cut, and ginseng slices are in soups and teas.  These items can also be eaten or "chewed on" without any type of preparation. Ginseng capsules are very popular for the consumer that is not used to cooking with Wisconsin ginseng or would like something more convenient.

When making soup, especially chicken soup, many of our customers will add a few ginseng roots or a handful of slices after the soup has been prepared and allow the ginseng to simmer in the soup for a couple of hours.  The root will become soft and then can either be mashed and added to the soup or taken out and eaten separately.  Ginseng slices or the ginseng "tea cut" also work very well for this since they can be added and do not need to simmer for as long a period.  They can then be left in the soup and served with the slices or pieces of root remaining in the soup.  

Ginseng tea is probably the most popular use for Wisconsin ginseng.  The tea can be made from the whole root, slices, ginseng tea cut or the ginseng tea bags.  When using the whole root for cooking or ginseng tea it is often sliced or broken into smaller pieces so that it does not have to simmer for as long a period of time.  The ginseng slices are very popular because they have already been sliced into thinner pieces and are ready for use.  When making ginseng tea it usually takes about 2-3 grams of ginseng per cup of tea.  This is about 5-8 slices, about 1 teaspoon of ginseng tea cut or powder, or easier yet - 1 tea bag.  Ginseng tea is very simple to prepare.  Just add the ginseng to hot water and allow it to steep for about 4-5 minutes or as long as you like depending on how "strong" you like the ginseng tea.  The longer the ginseng simmers in the hot water, the "stronger" the tea will be.  The ginseng can usually be reused for about 2-3 cups of tea and then eaten if desired.  

If ginseng tea alone is not to your liking it can also be added to other types of tea and allowed to steep with the other teas prior to consuming. Ginseng can also be used in cooking other types of dishes.  Ginseng slices or fresh ginseng roots are often added to stir fry dishes.  Ginseng powder can also be added to baked items or simmered in the hot water when making rice.   These are just a few of the ways that many of our customers use our ginseng.  If you have a special recipe using ginseng that you would like to share feel free to email it to us and we can make it available to our other customers.