Crops of ginseng grown in the central King Country have been well-received by distributors in China, who say they are impressed with its quality.
The Maraeroa C land block has been growing ginseng crops there under a canopy of pine trees. Samples of the medicinal root herb were recently taken to China for assessment.
In view of the endorsement, Maraeroa C chief executive Glen Katu says he is now spreading the word about ginseng among other forest owners in the central North Island.
Ginseng is normally grown in the northern hemisphere, where it thrives in a climate of cold winters and dry summers.
Mr Katu believes ginseng could be another potential kiwifruit for New Zealand because its grows well in the King Country, where there a many forestry plantations.
He says there's a big market for ginseng in China, where people take it in teas, in capsule form, or fresh - sliced up in soups and stews.
