Cordyceps Militaris
Cordyceps militaris
A bright orange functional mushroom grown in jars on a nutrient broth. It needs clean lab technique and steady light.
Growing requirements at a glance
- Scientific name
- Cordyceps militaris
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Growing temp
- 18 to 23°C
- Substrate
- Sterilised rice and nutrient broth
- Light
- Steady light for fruiting
- Uses
- Powder and extracts
Overview
Cordyceps militaris is a functional mushroom grown for its bright orange, club-shaped fruits. Unlike wood and straw growers, it is cultivated in jars on a sterilised rice and nutrient broth.
Growing conditions
After sterile inoculation, colonise in the dark, then move the jars into steady light at about 18 to 23°C with good humidity to form the orange fruiting bodies. It is slower and more demanding than oysters and needs careful sterile technique, so it suits growers who already work cleanly.
Uses
Cordyceps has been used traditionally to support energy and stamina. The fruits are dried and taken as a powder or extract. Human research is ongoing and not conclusive, so it is best seen as a supplement.
Grower tips
Consistent light and clean technique are the two biggest factors in a good yield. Keep the broth recipe and conditions the same across batches for repeatable results.
