The NYTimes excels at finding a story where none exists. Case in point: this article on the wild ginseng hunters of South Korea. Apparently, the root can command upwards of $130,000 a pound, which is like, more than gold times cocaine. What this reminds us of is the black truffles of southern Europe, although the Koreans aren’t able to use special pigs to sniff out the plant. Also, the ginseng isn’t intended to be shaved over pasta, oh no - either one makes tea, or more likely, gives it as a gift to connote power and influence. Neither one is worth it!
Ah, the Tonic of Ginseng! Especially a $65,000 Sprig! [NYTimes]
[Photo: ginseng is kinda gross-looking, WPR]
