How much do you know about ginseng? Did you know there are lots of different ginseng varieties? Each variety originates from different world regions and posses individual benefits. Endurance Chocolate uses American Ginseng as an important ingredient in our healthy chocolate. Not everyone considers ginseng a big deal…
Ginseng is, however, a BIG deal. You’d know this if you were in Geumsan, South Korea recently, where the 2011 World Ginseng Expo took place. For 32 days (September 2 through October 3), companies and visitors from more than 15 countries came together to celebrate “Ginseng, the Root of Life,” this year’s expo theme. The conference was pitched as a place where “nature, people, health and a better future come together. It will serve as a venue for academic activities, trade, exhibitions as well as hands-on interactive experiences.”
Visitors reportedly had the opportunity to see a thousand-year-old ginseng root(!), sample healthy snacks made with ginseng, and examine 3-D models of the human body explaining how ginseng is absorbed and used. And, of course, plenty of information was available on ginseng’s cultivation, uses, appearance, and medicinal qualities.
Remember how I said ginseng was a big deal? Think about this: Expo organizers were anticipating around 2 MILLION visitors to pass through the expo’s 6 exhibit halls during the course of the month. Check out the photo for an idea of the daily scene (also found here).
Geumsan, which has hosted the expo in the past, is a fitting location: 80% of Korea’s ginseng is distributed from there and it is a big business. The variety of ginseng that comes from Korea (panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng) is different from the North American species (panax quinquefolius), but this expo doesn’t split hairs over the difference. Its dual goals are promoting Korean ginseng and “comparative exhibition of ginseng from around the world.”
And I’m sure Gwidori, the official mascot, wouldn’t turn us away. Gwidori symbolizes “good health and longevity” and “welcomes visitors with a warm smile, while communicating the delicate pride of ginseng” looks pretty friendly to me!
Couldn’t make it to the World Ginseng Expo? Check out an overview of ginseng’s benefits by clicking on “Fuel Benefits” at the top of this page. Then click on “Fuel Story” to learn how the perfect ginseng and dark chocolate partnership was born.
Post written by: Rebecca Dobrzynski