How much is Astragalus per jin?
Astragalus, a star variety among qi-tonifying herbs, has always been a focus of attention in terms of price. The medicinal roots of this leguminous plant are commonly found in pharmacies and e-commerce platforms, but price variations across different channels often confuse consumers. This article systematically analyzes the current price system of Astragalus and its fluctuation patterns through market research data.
Analysis of Astragalus Market Price Range
Price Comparison of Different Specifications
Regular bulk goods prices are stable at 30-35 yuan/jin, while high-quality slices can reach 100-130 yuan/jin. E-commerce platforms, by reducing intermediate links, bring prices down to the 15-30 yuan range. Wild resources, due to their scarcity, maintain a high price range of 50-60 yuan, but it should be noted that wild Astragalus has been listed as a protected species.
Five Major Factors Affecting Astragalus Prices
Production Area Factors
Products from premium production areas such as Huan yuan in Shanxi and Longxi in Gansu command a premium of 15%-20%. Prices in the Northeast production areas are more affordable. For every 500-meter increase in altitude of the planting area, the product price increases by about 8%.
Processing Techniques
Products made using the traditional nine steaming and nine drying process are three times the price of regular slices, while products processed using mechanization see a 20% price reduction. Products made using the recently popular freeze-drying technology break through 200 yuan/jin.
Market Supply and Demand
The national annual demand is about 45,000 tons, with large-scale planting maintaining inventory at over 200,000 tons, which acts as a price stabilizer. However, production reductions caused by extreme weather can still cause a 10%-15% price fluctuation.
Guide to Purchasing and Storing Astragalus
High-quality Astragalus should have the golden lid and silver plate characteristics, with a cross-section showing chrysanthemum-like patterns. For home storage, it needs to be sealed and kept away from light, with humidity controlled at 45%-55% to maintain its efficacy for three years. It is recommended to buy according to need to avoid stockpiling, which could lead to the loss of active ingredients.
Through analysis, it can be seen that the Astragalus price system is influenced by multiple factors. When consumers purchase, they should pay attention to both price and the quality of the herb. With the advancement of standardized planting, future market prices will tend to be more transparent and reasonable.