The age of the root will enhance its market value. Cultivated roots are usually harvested after three or four years. Cultivated roots that have a clean, dark appearance and many tight, horizontal wrinkles, resembling wild ginseng, command a premium price. The age, size, shape and appearance will affect its price, however it usually commands a price premium of 5 to 10 times more than cultivated roots. There are approximately 40 grades of ginseng.
Different markets have different preferences for the size and shape of the ginseng root.
The prongs and fibers are also graded into different categories with the larger prongs being used for ginseng slices and teas, and the fibers for powder, capsules and extracts. Large quantities of lower quality root will create competition that will drive down the price of the prongs and fibers, thereby affecting the overall price paid for the bulk root.