The difference between Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis

First of all, I can tell you without a doubt that Cordyceps flower is not Cordyceps militaris, and Cordyceps militaris is not Cordyceps flower. To understand why, we must first understand Cordyceps sinensis, which is also called northern cordyceps, Cordyceps militaris, and pupa grass.

Method/Process

1 In 1958, the natural Cordyceps militaris was discovered in Jilin Province. Because its ingredients are similar to Cordyceps sinensis, it was named Cordyceps sinensis. At the same time, the road of artificial cultivation was started, and it was finally successful. The picture below shows natural Cordyceps militaris.

2 There are two main cultivation methods for Cordyceps sinensis. One is to vaccinate the bacteria into artificially raised pupae. It is difficult to cultivate and has a low survival rate. This is the first natural Cordyceps militaris discovered, but the cultivation conditions are better than the natural environment, so the quality of Cordyceps militaris is better and the content of ingredients is higher than the natural one.

3 The second type is the most common on the market. It is made of artificially fed grains and fermented wheat bacteria. It has fast reproduction and high survival rate, and is widely used. This type is Cordyceps flower. Because the bacteria have already digested and absorbed the nutrients such as grains, the roots are almost invisible. After removing the tiny roots, it becomes Cordyceps flower. The picture below shows Cordyceps sinensis cultivated in this way, and the Cordyceps flower with the roots removed.

4. The difference in culture. From the above, we can understand that the culture medium of the two is different. Whether in terms of cost or technical level, Cordyceps militaris is more difficult than Cordyceps flower.

5 From the appearance point of view, Cordyceps flower does not have the insect body, which means Cordyceps militaris has removed the insect.

6. The difference in nutrients. Although they are the same edible fungi, the ingredients are very different because the cultivation medium is different. Cordyceps flowers are only eaten, which are actually the same as ordinary vegetables and fruits. Cordyceps militaris can be used as both food and medicine. Usually, the ingredients of 1KG of Cordyceps flowers are equivalent to 1g of Cordyceps militaris.

7. Differences in eating methods: Cordyceps flowers are more convenient to cook, and can be eaten directly after the dishes are finished; Cordyceps militaris is mostly used to boil water, soak medicinal wine, and cook soup, etc., usually the insect body is eaten directly after mixing, and some people have a psychological fear of insect bodies, but why Cordyceps militaris is better than Cordyceps flowers, the effective ingredients in the insect body have great effects.