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Root of Mystery: Ginseng’s Short Season in the Mountains
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There are places in the Appalachian mountains where the air holds secrets, and the soil keeps its own counsel. In the shadows of the laurel thickets, a humble plant lies waiting—ginseng, the root of power and promise. Folks call it “sang,” whispering its name like a prayer or a curse, for it’s said to heal the body, stir the spirit, and fetch a fortune if you can find it. But the season is short, just a breath of time between summer’s end and autumn’s hush, when the red berries glimmer like lanterns in the underbrush.
Seekers slip into the hollers, guided by superstition and hunger, knowing the mountain gives grudgingly and takes her due. For in these hills, ginseng is more than a root—it’s a test of patience, reverence, and luck.
And tonight, two of our dearest companions will help us tell the tale: Miss Velma Sugarcane Jones, with her voice sweet as sorghum and sharp as a switch cane, and Obe Monroe, whose guitar can conjure both a prayer and a warning in the same breath. Together, they’ll walk with us through the mystery, as Cornbread & Buttermilk steps into the fleeting season of the Appalachian sang.
Velma’s Short intro song.
Velma singing
French song
Disclaimer:
Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!
Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.
© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.
Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]
Title: Ragged and Dirty
Performed by: William Brown
Recorded by: Alan Lomax
From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers
Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com
...
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By Western C. CainSend us a text
There are places in the Appalachian mountains where the air holds secrets, and the soil keeps its own counsel. In the shadows of the laurel thickets, a humble plant lies waiting—ginseng, the root of power and promise. Folks call it “sang,” whispering its name like a prayer or a curse, for it’s said to heal the body, stir the spirit, and fetch a fortune if you can find it. But the season is short, just a breath of time between summer’s end and autumn’s hush, when the red berries glimmer like lanterns in the underbrush.
Seekers slip into the hollers, guided by superstition and hunger, knowing the mountain gives grudgingly and takes her due. For in these hills, ginseng is more than a root—it’s a test of patience, reverence, and luck.
And tonight, two of our dearest companions will help us tell the tale: Miss Velma Sugarcane Jones, with her voice sweet as sorghum and sharp as a switch cane, and Obe Monroe, whose guitar can conjure both a prayer and a warning in the same breath. Together, they’ll walk with us through the mystery, as Cornbread & Buttermilk steps into the fleeting season of the Appalachian sang.
Velma’s Short intro song.
Velma singing
French song
Disclaimer:
Cornbread & Buttermilk is all about sharing stories, traditions, and the wisdom of the Southern kitchen, but we are not medical professionals. The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before adding new foods, supplements, or home remedies to your routine—especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Listen to your body, trust your doctor, and enjoy the journey of good food and well-being!
Thank you for listening; please share our Podcast with friends and family members who would find our stories interesting. It would certainly help us, it would be a blessing, it certainly would.
© [2025] Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. The original music of Velma Sugarcane Jones and Obe Monroe is the exclusive property of Cornbread & Buttermilk Podcast. All rights reserved.
Let us know if you enjoyed the program. What’s on your mind? We would love to hear from you. Contact us at: [email protected]
Title: Ragged and Dirty
Performed by: William Brown
Recorded by: Alan Lomax
From the album: Negro Blues and Hollers
Courtesy of: American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
You can reach History By Mail for more information at, www.historybymail.com
...