Sungminco-op records

Geumsan and Yeongju, South Korea

Ginseng roots certified by field age, soil record and the grower's signed log.

Ginseng growers in Geumsan and Yeongju raise roots for six years in shaded beds. We record each root lot's field, its age and its grower, so a buyer knows how long it grew and where.

Ask about your co-operativeRoot lots
Grower's hand holding a bundle of freshly dug ginseng roots

Six summers under the shade

  1. 1Seed bed planted, year logged
  2. 2Seedlings moved to the field
  3. 3Shade and soil checked
  4. 4Shade and soil checked
  5. 5Five-year lots may be lifted
  6. 6Six-year roots lifted and certified

Lots on the cooperative table

GR-2101

Geumsan 3

Age
6 years
Roots
42
Aged

GR-2107

Yeongju 1

Age
5 years
Roots
30
Certified

GR-2113

Geumsan 7

Age
6 years
Roots
55
Sold

GR-2120

Yeongju 4

Age
6 years
Roots
28
Aged
Single whole ginseng root with fine side roots on a dark background

Field, age, grower

Field record. Each lot names the field, its soil test and the planting year.

Age check. The cooperative confirms the root age and writes it before sale.

Grower log. The grower's shading and care log is kept with the lot.

From seed bed to certificate

  1. PlantSeed beds are planted and the year is logged.
  2. ShadeShading and soil checks are logged each season.
  3. LiftRoots are lifted at the agreed age and weighed.
  4. CertifyThe cooperative certifies the age on the lot.

Buyers ask the cooperative

Who certifies the age?
The cooperative certifies it, with the grower's log as evidence.
Can a lot be re-labelled as older?
No. The planting year is fixed on the lot line.
Are growers named?
The grower's farm name is shown. The shading log is shared only with the buyer.