Expo shows innovative ginseng products

A visitor photographs ginseng on display at the 2024 Changchun International Medicine and Health Industry Expo in Changchun, Jilin province, on Saturday. (WANG QIANG/FOR CHINA DAILY)

A recently concluded expo in Changchun, Jilin province, showcased a wide range of ginseng-inspired products, from scented candles and essential oils to chocolates and soups, attracting visitors with the versatility of the traditional herbal root.

Wang Guifen, a local resident, was among those impressed. "I've always known about the health benefits of ginseng but didn't know how to use it," she said, after trying duck soup stewed with ginseng and orange peel at the event on Sunday. "It tasted delicious. I'll follow this cooking method at home."

The duck soup was one of many innovative dishes promoted by Changchun University of Chinese Medicine at the expo, which ran from last Friday to Monday.

"Our team aims to promote creative uses of ginseng, pairing it with various food ingredients and incorporating traditional Chinese medicine theories. This helps people better understand how to include ginseng in daily life to enhance health," said Liu Zhenquan, vice-president of the university.

Renowned for its ability to boost energy, reduce inflammation, slow aging and address various ailments, ginseng has long been valued in herbal medicine. However, its potential as a daily health supplement remains underappreciated.

Jilin province, a global hub for ginseng production, has a thriving industry that produces thousands of ginseng-inspired products, including foods, medicines, cosmetics, and health items. The local ginseng industry generates an annual output of over 70.8 billion yuan ($9.8 billion).

Guan Mingyue, a representative of CBS Ginseng, noted the success of their chocolate-covered ginseng crisps at the expo.

"We use freeze-drying technology to preserve the bioactivity of ginseng. The chocolate coating enhances the texture and sweetness, masking the medicinal taste of ginseng," Guan explained.

"While people know about the health benefits of ginseng, many don't know how to consume it. Our products aim to inspire smarter uses of ginseng."

The expo also featured ginseng-scented essential oils and aromatherapy products, allowing visitors to create aromatic wax melts.

"Ginseng is truly a treasure, and these creative products are practical and stylish. I made some wax melts and plan to gift them to friends," said Wang Xinran, another local attendee.

As ginseng products gained popularity, Zhang Boli, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a prominent TCM expert, stressed the importance of advancing ginseng cultivation and industry development.

"Creating fertilizers and pesticides tailored for ginseng growth is essential," Zhang said in an interview with China News Service.

"Systematic research into the industrial development of ginseng in Jilin province is critical to realizing its full potential."

The expo's success underscores the growing demand for innovative ginseng products, highlighting its traditional medicinal value and modern versatility.