Ginseng Farm

Check out these videos to learn all there is to know about ginseng grown in Ontario: who grows it, where it is grown, how Ginseng is harvested, how it is processed for us to use, and more!

360 Ontario Ginseng Farm

What exactly IS ginseng?! Come visit the Mels’ ginseng farm, where you will learn all about this specialty crop! Walk down the rows of ginseng plants under the shade, see what happens during harvest, watch it get processed and learn about the challenges of growing such a unique crop.

The Art of Ginseng Processing

Have you ever wondered what happens to ginseng after it is harvested?! Come inside a ginseng processing facility! Schelling Yeh guides you through the incredible steps of grading and processing ginseng. You will learn how ginseng goes from the field, and is made into products like tea bags!

Ginseng & Mother Nature’s Challenges

Growing ginseng is not for the faint of heart! From specific soil types, the fact it takes 4-5 years to grow, ginseng is quite particular. In this video, the Mels family guides you through some of the unique challenges of growing ginseng in Canada.

Ginseng: The Importance of a Quality Labour Force

Ginseng is a very labour intensive crop and many Canadian farmers, like the Mels, are grateful to have such an amazing labour force as part of their farm team. Come learn about how the Mels depend on the foreign workers, like Mike, to grow and harvest their ginseng.

Life of a Ginseng Farm Family

Come meet Mary Ann, Linda, Brian & Justin Mels, a multi-generational farm family who grow ginseng in Ontario, Canada. In this video, you will learn about the history of their farm, and what working with family is all about.

Ginseng Quick Facts

  • Ginseng is a root. Its taste is a unique blend of mild bitterness, earthiness with a subtle touch of sweetness. It’s often noted for its delightful aroma.
  • Ginseng in southwestern Ontario is grown under a black canopy, mimicking the forest’s natural shade cover. The climate, clean air & water, and fertile soils of Ontario create the ideal environment for ginseng to thrive.
  • Ginseng is Canada’s largest field grown horticultural export crop, using about 8,000 acres.
  • Over the past 10 years, ginseng has contributed $150M - $280M annually in export sales.
  • Ontario-grown ginseng is considered by the majority of people to be the most robust and powerful of all ginseng varieties, closely mimicking all the sought-after properties of wild ginseng.
  • Ginseng is native to Ontario, and considered an Endangered Species. It was first discovered growing near Montreal in the 1700s.
  • Canada is a global leader in ginseng exports, with 95% of ginseng produced being exported. Ontario is currently the largest producer in the world of North American ginseng.
  • Ginseng is a high risk crop with no production insurance and high input costs. After years of nurturing their crops, some growers have waited up to 7 years to harvest ginseng.