35-Year-Old Ngoc Linh Ginseng Root Sells for $30,000 USD at Vietnamese Auction

A rare 35-year-old Ngoc Linh ginseng root, weighing 0.9 kilograms and boasting seven branches, has fetched an impressive 725 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $30,000 USD) at auction. The sale, which took place on August 1 in Da Nang during the Ngoc Linh Ginseng Festival, highlights the exceptional value placed on this prized medicinal herb.

Nguyen Tien Cuong, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Quang Nam Pharmaceutical Materials Cultivation and Processing Joint Stock Company, described the ginseng's unique characteristics. He noted its advanced age, beautiful shape, large size, and the significant accumulation of medicinal properties over decades of growth. These factors, combined with the rarity of such old specimens, contributed to its high market value.

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The ginseng has an age of over 35 years, including 7 branches, and weighs 0.9 kg. The root has a beautiful shape, large size, and many branches. These are very rare characteristics for Ngoc Linh ginseng of advanced age.

Cuong emphasized that finding ginseng roots of this age is increasingly difficult due to natural limitations and the long cultivation period required. He explained that Ngoc Linh ginseng typically shows a marked increase in medicinal quality and value after 10 years, with active compounds accumulating further as the plant ages. The 35-year-old root, having grown for so long in natural conditions, possesses a very high concentration of these beneficial substances.

The successful bidder was Phan Thanh Thien, representing Truong Sinh Group from Gia Lai province. Cuong added that the auction's proceeds would contribute to social welfare and charitable activities, aligning with the festival's aim to promote the value of Ngoc Linh ginseng and foster community engagement.

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Ginseng plants of this age are very rare nowadays. The fact that we were fortunate enough to possess such a ginseng is precious. The successful bid price not only reflects the value of a high-aged, specially qualified ginseng but also shows the interest and appreciation of participants for the value of Ngoc Linh ginseng.