Published on Sep 25, 2026
T S Emporium classifies American ginseng based on factors such as type, size, and quality. Because Wild American Ginseng, Semi-Wild American Ginseng, and American Ginseng differ in how they are grown and in their product characteristics, they also use different systems for indicating size and grade.
Product labels for Semi-Wild and Cultivated American Ginseng typically include three components: ginseng type, size specification, and quality grade.
For example, RR80-AAAA:
RR = Ginseng Type
80 = Size Specification
AAAA = Quality Grade
| Code | Ginseng Type |
| RR | Semi-Wild |
| PS | Round, consists of the head |
| S | Radix, consists of a little body |
| PTS | Long, consists of the head and the body |
| TS | Long roots, consists of the head and the tail end is slightly sharp |
| CL | Half short roots, consists of the head and half of the body |
Common size reference numbers include: 30, 40, 60, 80, 120, 180, and 360.
The sizing system is straightforward: The smaller the reference number, the larger the ginseng head. The larger the reference number, the smaller the ginseng head.
Because American ginseng is a natural agricultural product, individual roots naturally vary in shape and size. Therefore, ginseng within the same size specification may not be exactly the same size.
T S Emporium uses AAAA, AAA, AA, and A to indicate different quality grades: AAAA > AAA > AA > A
Quality grades are determined by considering multiple factors, including the ginseng’s overall condition, root shape, surface patterns, color, and age, rather than size alone.
Therefore, “size specification” and “quality grade” are two separate classifications. A larger American ginseng root does not necessarily have a higher quality grade.
Wild American Ginseng uses a different system for indicating its specifications.
For example, 3G-RR-AAAA:
3G = Individual Root Weight Specification
RR = Ginseng Type
AAAA = Quality Grade
For Wild American Ginseng, the number before “G” indicates the individual root weight specification: 3G > 1G > 04G
The larger the number, the higher the individual weight of the ginseng root.
Because Wild American Ginseng is a naturally grown agricultural product, roots are sorted into specific weight ranges rather than being required to meet an exact weight. As a result, individual roots within the same package and weight specification may naturally vary in both size and weight.
Wild American Ginseng also uses the following quality grades: AAAA > AAA > AA > A
Wild American Ginseng grows slowly, and its appearance and quality can be influenced by various natural factors, including root age, growing environment, soil, climate, and moisture. T S Emporium evaluates these factors together with characteristics such as the root’s overall appearance, shape, surface patterns, and color when determining its quality grade.
| Category | Semi-Wild / American Ginseng | Wild American Ginseng |
| Size Specifications | 30、40、60、80、120、180、360 | 3G, 1G, 04G, etc. |
| How to Read the Size | The smaller the reference number, the larger the head of the ginseng | The larger the number before “G,” the higher the individual root weight |
| Quality Grades | AAAA ＞ AAA ＞ AA ＞ A | AAAA ＞ AAA ＞ AA ＞ A |
| Quality Factors | Overall condition, root shape, surface patterns, color, root age, etc. | Root age, growing environment, soil, climate, moisture, root shape, surface patterns, color, etc. |
| Notes | Natural variations in root size may occur within the same specification | Sorted by weight range; individual roots within the same specification may vary in weight |
T S Emporium uses AAAA, AAA, AA, and A to indicate the overall quality grade of American ginseng, ranked from highest to lowest: AAAA > AAA > AA > A
The grade is not determined by size alone. Instead, it considers multiple factors, including the root’s overall condition, shape, surface patterns, color, and age.
AAAA represents the highest overall quality grade, followed by AAA, AA, and A. Because American ginseng is a natural agricultural product, individual roots within the same grade may still vary naturally in size, shape, and surface patterns.
When choosing T S Emporium American ginseng, the numeric specification indicates size, while A, AA, AAA, and AAAA indicate the overall quality grade. These are two separate classifications.
T S Emporium does not grade American ginseng based on a single factor. Instead, multiple characteristics are considered, including overall condition, root shape, surface patterns, color, and root age.
It is important to understand that size specifications and quality grades are not the same thing. For example, numbers such as 30, 60, 80, and 120 are primarily used to indicate size specifications, while AAAA, AAA, AA, and A represent overall quality grades. Therefore, a larger American ginseng root does not necessarily have a higher quality grade.
For Wild American Ginseng, which grows more slowly under natural conditions, grading also takes into consideration factors such as root age, growing environment, and the root’s overall physical and quality characteristics.
Even when the net weight is the same, American ginseng can vary significantly in price because weight is only one of the factors that determines its value.
The price of American ginseng can also be influenced by factors such as type, origin, size specification, quality grade, root age, shape, surface patterns, color, and overall condition. For example, two 16 oz packages may be priced differently depending on whether the ginseng is Wild, Semi-Wild, or American Ginseng. Even within the same type, prices may vary based on size specifications and quality grades such as AAAA, AAA, AA, and A.
Therefore, when comparing American ginseng products, don’t look at package weight alone. Consider the ginseng type, size specification, and quality grade together to better understand the differences between products.
Not necessarily. American ginseng quality grades are primarily used to distinguish the overall quality of the ginseng and do not mean that a higher grade is automatically the best choice for every customer.
When choosing American ginseng, consider factors such as how you plan to use it, your budget, the type of ginseng, and your personal preferences. For everyday uses such as brewing tea, making soups, or slicing, the highest grade may not always be necessary. If appearance and root integrity are more important, or if the ginseng is intended as a gift, a higher grade may be worth considering.
Rather than simply choosing the highest grade, it is better to select the size specification and quality grade that best fit your intended use and budget.
Different grades of American ginseng can be selected based on individual needs, and a specific grade does not determine how the ginseng must be used. When choosing a grade, consider factors such as quality, appearance, budget, and intended use.
For everyday uses such as brewing tea, making soups, or slicing, you can choose an appropriate quality grade based on your budget without necessarily selecting the highest grade.
For gifting, customers often place greater importance on the root’s overall condition, shape, size, and appearance. In these cases, higher quality grades such as AAA or AAAA may be considered along with the product’s packaging and specifications.
Customers who prefer to keep the root intact or place greater importance on its shape, surface patterns, and overall presentation may also want to compare higher-grade options.
In short, for everyday use, practicality and budget may be the priority, while for gifting, quality grade, root appearance, and presentation may be more important. There is no single grade that is the right choice for every purpose.
Disclaimer:
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information regarding American ginseng varieties, origins, specifications, grades, uses, and traditional uses may vary by product, source, and individual circumstances. If you are taking medications, pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition, or have questions about using American ginseng, please consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional before use. Please refer to the actual product label and packaging for specific product information.
