Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris, Ophiocordyceps sinensis

mushroom

Thin yellow-orange clubs of a fungus grown on a substrate, dried and infused or powdered. It provides beta-glucans.

Origin

Tibetan highlands; cultivated today

Season (United States)

imported · all year round

Preparation

Dried, a few strands are steeped in hot water or simmered in a broth, and eaten with it; fresh, they are stir-fried for two to three minutes. As powder, a pinch in a drink.

Molecules

Mushroom beta-glucansIn small amounts, not counted Ergothioneine

Did you know?

In nature it is a parasite: the cultivated cordyceps invades caterpillars and chrysalises, including those of the silkworm; its wild Himalayan cousin grows on buried caterpillars, between 3,000 and 5,000 metres.