Family-owned and independently operated, the company is committed to maintaining its farms, production facilities and world headquarters in Wausau, Wisconsin, while expanding its international distribution network of branch offices around the globe as it transitions to the next generation of family leadership as a leader in the ginseng industry.
Providing Traditional Herbal Remedies and Culinary Delicacies Since 1974
Since 1974, Hsu’s Ginseng has remained faithful to our promise of providing authentic and responsibly sourced products alongside the purest American ginseng from Wisconsin to enhance your health and vitality. With generations of expertise in farming and sourcing and with an unwavering commitment to quality, we strive to ensure our customers harness the natural strengths of American ginseng and experience all that a balanced, energized life has to offer.
The Founder’s Story
One day, while working as a social worker, a colleague handed Paul an article from Mother Earth Magazine that focused on the medicinal uses of ginseng. He learned that Marathon County, not far from where he lived at the time, was home to several ginseng growers. Curious and determined, Paul drove to a local farm, knocked on the door and asked the farmer to share their knowledge about the crop.
Paul bought some ginseng from that farmer and sent it to his mother in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, who had been struggling with health concerns. About ten months later, he received a letter from his father with a simple, profound message: “The ginseng worked. Send more.” This experience made Paul a firm believer in the power of ginseng and its potential to improve lives.
He started buying ginseng from local farmers, trimming the roots at home, selling and sharing it with family and friends, who were also impressed by the results. In 1974, Paul took a bold step, by placing a small ad in a Chinese newspaper and began a small operation in the basement of his home in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
The mail orders trickled in at first, then grew into a steady stream. By 1976, with his business thriving, Paul made the decision to move to Wausau, closer to the heart of American ginseng country. Just two years later, in 1978, Paul took his passion to the next level and purchased his very first ginseng farm, which we operate on to this day as the home farm for Hsu’s Ginseng in Wausau, Wisconsin.
We Oversee Every Step from Farm to Your Table
Planting
Planting Sow seeds in optimal conditions to ensure healthy and sustainable growth.
Maintenance
Provide care through watering, fertilizing, weeding, and pest control to support crop development.
Harvesting
Harvested after 4-5 years in the fall, after berries ripen and tops start to die back.
Washing
Thoroughly washed twice to remove dirt, debris, pesticides, and contaminants.
Grading
Extensive quality-check measures, products are inspected and categorized based on various criteria such as size, quality, ripeness, and appearance.
Processing
Graded products are refined and transformed into finished or semi-finished goods that cater to specific market demands.
Packaging
Securely pack items by hand to preserve quality and ensure safe transport.
Distribute
Deliver products efficiently to customers and markets.
Milestones
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1974
Our Creation
Hsu's Ginseng Enterprises, Inc. was established
1978
Our First Farm
Paul and Sharon purchased their first farm and started Hsu Ginseng Farms, LLP
1981
Our First Harvest
Paul and Ron Sandquist (far left, farm manager and first employee) harvested their first ginseng crop.
1996
Partnerships with Japan
Hsu's Ginseng partnered with Japan’s Gyoren, Hokkaido Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Association, to distribute dried scallops and seafood to North America.
1997
Creation of Hsu Growing Supply
Hsu Growing Supply, a division of Hsu Ginseng Farms LLP, was established and received one of the Wisconsin’s first commercial composting licenses.
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