Unique Ngoc Linh ginseng competition in Da Nang
DNO - The annual Ngoc Linh Ginseng Contest in Da Nang has brought together over 70 local households with nearly 200 ginseng plants grown in some of Vietnam’s most remote forests.
Held on August 1 as part of the 7th Ngoc Linh Ginseng Festival 2025, the competition grouped entries by age: 5-7, 8-10, 11-15 and over 15 years. Finalists had to meet strict criteria, verified origin, no chemical use, disease-free, balanced form and healthy roots, stems and leaves.
“There are roots nearly 20 years old, curling like dragons, with firm stems and perfectly bloomed flowers, thriving naturally in tough terrain,” said judge Ho Van Dang.
Among the standout entries was a rare two-branch root grown by Ho Thi Thuy Ngan, a local farmer from Tra Linh. “It’s unique in my garden. I brought it here to share and learn,” she shared.
Beyond honoring craftsmanship, the contest sets standards for quality, counters counterfeits, and promotes sustainable, professional ginseng farming, turning a traditional crop into a national treasure.
Domestic and international scientists have done much research and discovered that Ngoc Linh ginseng's stems and roots contain a high rate of saponin compound, much higher than other ginseng species.
Ngoc Linh ginseng also has preeminent features that Korean and Chinese ginseng do not have. These include important benefits like, antibacterial, anti-depressants, anxiety-reduction, anti-oxidants, and can boost the effects of antibiotics and diabetes medicines.