Ginger & Turmeric

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) both have a long history of use in Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines. Fresh ginger is available year-round in the U.S. and Canada from produce wholesalers sourcing from global suppliers, and both are widely available in their dried, ground form that is produced from their underground rhizomes.

Key Requirements

Land	Low
Labor	Medium to High
Capital	High

Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.

Markets

Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Markets
- On-Farm Stands
- CSA
Restaurants

Pests & Disease

Soil-born and seed-borne diseases can devastate ginger and turmeric production. The crops are susceptible to bacterial wilt, bacterial soft rot, and Pythium. Many soil-borne diseases can be avoided by purchasing tissue cultured, disease-free stock.

$300 Cost per 100 ft row

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

$300 Returns per 100 ft row

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

Challenges

The largest expense is the cost of establishing and maintaining the high tunnel for ginger and turmeric production.

While both ginger and turmeric have received attention in the health and wellness market, producers need to understand the potential ramifications of marking health claims when selling fresh produce.

For the fresh market, ginger and turmeric are examples of niche crops where local markets could become easily saturated by overproduction.

Opportunities

Consumer interest in using fresh spices have increased over the years.

Can be harvested at varying maturities.