Do you know Korean ginseng is grown in Australia?
Tasmanian farmer Ziggy Pyka’ personal fascination brought ginseng to the island 20 years ago.
The co-owner of eco-certified farm 41° South Tasmania mainly produces salmons but Mr Pyka’s passion provided an exotic addition, ginseng to the farm.
Growing ginseng needs a lot patient.
“The problem with ginseng is that it takes two years for the seeds to geminate and four-to-six years for the plants to mature,” says Ziggy Pyka, the German-born co-owner of 41° South Tasmania. “So if you want to grow ginseng, it will take around eight years to produce one harvest.” Mr Pyka says.
However, Mr Pyka doesn’t mind to be bothered to put efforts for this slow-growing herb because it provides amazing health benefits.
“People in Asia have used ginseng for its health benefits for thousands of years but most westerners don’t know what to do with it. They think it is just used in energy drinks."
“Ginseng is good for your overall health, longevity, vision and memory,” says the 62-year-old. The herb also offers a subtle energy boost. “But it does more than that: ginseng makes your head clear.
Tasmanian ginseng is a lot more expensive than the one in Korea or other countries.
“If you go to Asia, you will probably pay $100 a kilo for ginseng. If you want to buy some from us, it might be thousands of dollars a kilo because it takes eight years of my life to grow [one plant].” Mr Pyka says.
The farm produces two products – Tasmanian Leatherwood honey with ginseng and a ginseng spice mix. Pyka also sells a ginseng essence to the public.
The full story is available on the podcast above.
