Can Cordyceps flower be eaten raw? A full analysis of safe consumption methods

Cordyceps flower, also known as Cordyceps militaris or Cordyceps grass, is a medicinal fungus formed by the combination of pupa and fungus. It belongs to the phylum Fungi, class Ascomycetes, order Hypocreales, family Clavicipitaceae, genus Cordyceps, and mainly grows in the northern regions of China. Most of the Cordyceps flower seen on the market is artificially cultivated, so can Cordyceps flower be eaten raw?

1. Can Cordyceps flower be eaten raw

Cordyceps flower cannot be eaten raw. When eating Cordyceps flower, at the very least we should blanch it in water first before eating, otherwise it will affect the absorption of Cordyceps flower's nutrients and cause waste. So when eating Cordyceps flower, it is recommended to boil it first. Generally, dried Cordyceps flower should be boiled for 3—10 minutes before it can be eaten.

Cordyceps flower is rich in protein, 18 kinds of amino acids, 17 kinds of trace elements, and 12 kinds of vitamins: the content of A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, etc. is higher than that of mushrooms. Research and testing by Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, the United States, and more than ten institutions in China and around the world have proved that Cordyceps militaris is the most ideal substitute for traditional Cordyceps sinensis.

2. Methods of eating Cordyceps flower

1. Making soup

Cordyceps flower can be used to make soup, especially dried Cordyceps flower. The soup tastes very delicious. After making soup with Cordyceps flower, you will find that the color of the soup turns yellow, and this is a normal phenomenon.

2. Cold dressing

Fresh Cordyceps flower bought can be used for cold dressing. Add a little cilantro, and the cold-dressed Cordyceps flower tastes relatively refreshing.

3. Stir-frying

Whether fresh Cordyceps flower or dried Cordyceps flower, both can be stir-fried, and can be stir-fried together with other meat dishes or vegetarian dishes.

4. Soaking in water

Brew Cordyceps flower with boiling water, and after a few minutes it can be drunk directly. Repeatedly brew until the color of the water becomes light, and finally put the Cordyceps flower in your mouth, chew it, and swallow it.

Cordyceps flower is very rich in nutritional value, but there are also many fake and inferior products on the market. When buying Cordyceps flower for consumption, it should be distinguished according to color.