Identification of nourishing Chinese Cordyceps sinensis

Cordyceps sinensis, a complex of trichomoniasis fungus Cordyceps sinensis parasites on the larvae of bat moths and larvae, is a traditional valuable nourishing Chinese herbal medicine that regulates immune system function, anti-tumor, anti-fatigue and other effect. However, because of its high price, the market is flooded with a large number of bad, fake, and false worms. How to distinguish the quality and authenticity of Cordyceps has become a compulsory course before Cordyceps is purchased.

The real "Cordyceps sinensis" is mainly produced in Tibet and Qinghai Plateau

There are 507 species of Cordyceps found in the world. However, Cordyceps is not equal to Cordyceps sinensis. Only one kind of Cordyceps is called Cordyceps sinensis. It is the bat larvae of bat moths, and is formed by Cordyceps sinensis mycelia. It is called Cordyceps sinensis. The real “Cordyceps sinensis” is specifically referring to the main producing areas of Tibet and Qinghai Plateau, and China’s unique Cordyceps sinensis. Its characteristics are:

The body resembles silkworms. It is 3-5cm long and 3-8mm in diameter. It is yellow-brown in appearance and khaki-coloured, with a rough ring pattern. The head is reddish-brown and has long sub-bases. The sub-seat is elongated and cylindrical, slightly twisted. It is generally longer than the body of the insect. The surface is gray-brown to tan, slightly gas-tingled and slightly bitter.

How to identify Cordyceps?

1. Look at the color: The authentic Cordyceps sinensis is divided into two parts: “worm” and “grass”. The surface of the “worm” is dark yellow to light yellow brown. In the binding sites of insects and grasses, most of the color of the insects will occur to some extent. Variety. The "grass" part is the sub-seat, which shows the color of the dead branches and has a deeper color.

2. Look at the appearance: There are 8 pairs of genuine Cordyceps sinensis on the ventral surface, and 4 pairs in the middle of the worm body are very obvious. The seat was born from the head of the insect and the upper part was slightly enlarged. Up to 4-7 cm in length and 0.3 cm in diameter.

3. Look at the cross section: After the authentic Cordyceps sinensis splits, there is a clear pattern. In the middle of the Cordyceps there is a black core that resembles a “V” shape, and some may also be a black spot. This black core is actually the digestive line of insects.

4. Smell smell: Authentic Cordyceps sinensis has a slight smell of dried insects and aromas of mushrooms and chicken. This is a unique taste of Cordyceps sinensis.