Ginseng

[erikwells]

I spend a lot of my weekends in Kandiyohi county. I was told by some old timers the other day there is a lot of ginseng in the area. I had no idea. I found leeks last week and that was a riot (never done that before). Leeks minced in scrambled eggs are the best. Where do you look for ginseng? What do you do with it when you find it? I'm clueless but would like to try it. Thanks, Erik

[pike79]

Erik, check the mndnr HSOforum, it has a lot of information on the history of ginseng in MN and the regulations on harvesting it.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Pike, thanks for posting. I went to the DNR's HSOforum and read the history. I also checked out the laws pertaining to the harvest of wild ginseng. There is a season, laws on what must be present on the plant to harvest and another law that the harvester must plant any seeds from the ginseng that is harvested. Lots of requirements to sell.

I think I'll just stick to morels and ramps...if I can ever find ramps.

[erikwells]

I checked it out and yes there is a season and some pretty detailed rules for harvesting ginseng. I'll keep my eyes open for it early fall, maybe if I find some I'll put it in a tea. I would not have guessed MN was a hotbed for it in the 1800's, pretty cool. One thing for certain is I'll find some more ramps for my eggs this weekend. Thanks.