A Detailed Guide to Cordyceps Cultivation Techniques: Master the Planting Methods and Key Points

Cordyceps generally refers to Chinese cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), which is a composite of the Chinese cordyceps fungus and larvae of the family Hepialidae. So what exactly are the cordyceps cultivation techniques?

1. What is cordyceps?

Cordyceps is a plant of the family Ophiocordycipitaceae in the order Hypocreales, and it is also a precious traditional Chinese medicinal material. In China, it is mainly produced in the high-cold zones and snow-capped grasslands of five provinces: Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan and Gansu.

The surface of cordyceps is dark brown to brownish-brown, with fine longitudinal wrinkles, and the upper part is slightly swollen; the texture is supple and the cross-section is off-white. It has a slight fishy odor and a slightly bitter taste. Those that are intact, with a plump insect body, a bright yellow exterior, a yellow-white interior and a short stroma are considered the best.

2. Cordyceps cultivation techniques

Cordyceps cultivation can be further divided into box cultivation and bottle cultivation:

Box cultivation refers to cultivating with small wooden boxes and plastic basins. The bottom and sides of the wooden box need to be wrapped with plastic film first, then fine sandy soil is spread on top, and the fungus-infected insects are placed in for culturing.

Bottle cultivation refers to cultivating with cans or jars, generally placing two fungus-infected insects per bottle.

After washing an ordinary can or jar clean, first line the inside with a 2.5~3cm layer of fine sandy soil with a moisture content of 60%, then place the larvae infected with the fungal liquid on top,

Make sure the two larvae do not lean against each other, with their bellies facing downward, then cover them with another 3cm of fine sandy soil and press the surface slightly flat. To keep it moist, seal the opening with plastic film and place it under suitable indoor or outdoor temperatures for management, avoiding direct sunlight.

3. The benefits of cordyceps

1. It tonifies the kidney and boosts essence, and has the effect of invigorating yang and restoring potency. It is used to treat impotence, spermatorrhea and soreness and pain in the waist and knees caused by insufficient kidney yang and deficiency of essence and blood;

2. It can tonify the kidney and benefit the lungs, stop bleeding and resolve phlegm, and relieve cough and asthma, and it is especially often used for phlegm and blood in consumptive cough.