Complete Guide to Cultivation of Cordyceps Militaris Mushroom

Today, farming is not limited to traditional crops. People are moving towards more profit and healthier lives. Now, farmers are cultivating new and unique types of plants and mushrooms. Among these unique mushrooms, one special name is Cordyceps Militaris.

My experience of cultivating Cordyceps Militaris on my own land has been quite positive and successful. In this article, I will present in detail the complete cultivation method of the Cordyceps Militaris mushroom in the light of my knowledge and experience.

Before moving further, let me tell you that Cordyceps Militaris is a medicinal mushroom that is popular worldwide for its medicinal properties and numerous benefits for sexual wellness and overall health. Its popularity is growing rapidly, especially in Asian countries. This mushroom is used to help with various health issues, such as:

• Boosting the immune system
• Increasing physical energy and stamina to improve sexual endurance
• Providing natural support for healthy erectile function
• Maintaining healthy testosterone levels
• Beneficial in diabetes and heart disease
• Antioxidant properties

Studies show that Cordyceps militaris may affect testosterone levels, which are essential for men’s sexual health and sexual desire. This may be especially important for supporting erectile health.

Cultivation Requirements And Preparation

The cultivation of Cordyceps militaris is slightly different from common mushrooms like button or oyster mushrooms. Some special techniques and precautions must be followed for its successful cultivation.

1: Temperature and humidity management

The ideal temperature for the cultivation of Cordyceps militaris is 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Humidity should be maintained at 70 to 80 percent.

The use of AC, humidifier or fan is often recommended to control the temperature and humidity in the mushroom cultivation area.

2: Light Management

This mushroom is sensitive to light. Minimal light (dimmer light) should be provided during its cultivation. Too much light can negatively affect the growth of Cordyceps militaris.

3: Equipment required for cultivation

The following equipment is required for the cultivation of Cordyceps Militaris:

• Glass or plastic jars (jars or containers)
• Rice or other grain substrate
• Cordyceps militaris seeds (spoon)
• Alcohol (for sterilization)
• Autoclave or pressure cooker (for sterilization)

Cordyceps Militaris Cultivation Method

Here is a detailed step-by-step method for cultivating Cordyceps militaris:

Step 1: Preparation Of The Substrate

The best substrate for growing Cordyceps Militaris is rice. Plain white rice can be used.

• Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
• After that, strain the rice and drain the water.
• Fill the glass or plastic jar with this soaked rice up to 3/4 of the way.

Step 2: Sterilization

Here is the process for sterilizing jars:

• Sterilize the jars filled with the substrate by placing them in an autoclave or pressure cooker for about 60 minutes.
• The purpose of sterilization is to eliminate harmful bacteria and other germs that can affect mushroom growth.
• After this process, let the jars cool.

Step 3: Inoculation

• Take the sterilized jars to a clean room.
• Cordyceps Militaris spawn is produced in a clean and sterilized environment.
• Clean the jar with alcohol and add a spoonful of Cordyceps Militaris spawn to the jar.
• Close the jar lid immediately to prevent environmental contamination.

Step 4: Incubation

• Place the jars in a dark, temperature-controlled environment for incubation.
• Maintain the temperature at 20-22 degrees Celsius during this time.
• In about 15 to 20 days, the white mycelium will fully expand inside the jar.

Step 5: Fruiting

• When the mycelium is fully expanded, transfer the jar to the fruiting chamber.
• Keep the temperature here at 18 to 20 degrees Celsius and the humidity at 80 percent.
• Provide the mushrooms with 8 to 10 hours of dim light daily.
• The fruit of Cordyceps militaris is fully developed in about 30 to 40 days.

Harvesting and Storage

Following are the steps involved in harvesting and storage of cordyceps milltaris:

• Carefully cut the fruiting bodies of Cordyceps Militaris when they are fully formed.
• Dry the harvested mushrooms in a clean place at 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.
• When the mushrooms are completely dry, store them in clean, airtight containers. This will prevent them from becoming re-hydrated.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Some problems may arise during the cultivation of Cordyceps militaris, such as:

• Contamination: Always ensure a clean and germ-free environment.
• Low fruiting: Carefully manage temperature, humidity, and light.
• Slow growth: Ensure the quality of the seed (spawn) and obtain the seed from a good supplier.

Marketing of Cordyceps Militaris

The market for Cordyceps Militaris is growing due to its health benefits. The mushrooms can be sold online or by contacting local pharmaceutical companies. In addition, its dried powder can also be sold at health stores and herbal shops.

Cost and Profit Estimate

Initially, the biggest cost for cultivating this mushroom is on infrastructure and equipment (such as pressure cookers or autoclaves, sterile rooms, and humidification devices, etc.). However, once the investment is made, the costs are reduced.

If you cultivate Cordyceps Militaris on a ten square meter area, you can produce about 8 to 10 kg of dried mushrooms in a year. Considering the world market price, this business can be very profitable.

Find a Market for Cordyceps Militaris

You have to adopt various methods to sell Cordyceps Militaris in the market, including online market platforms, herbal medicine companies, health supplement companies, and local markets. Its demand is especially high in countries where the trend of living a healthy life through natural methods is increasing.

Using Online Marketing

Nowadays, selling Cordyceps militaris mushrooms has become very easy through social networking sites and online marketplaces. You can attract buyers by posting photos and videos of your cultivation on Facebook, Instagram, and your website.

Cordyceps Militaris Mushroom Safety and Precautions

It is very important to take some precautions while cultivating Cordyceps Militaris:

• Grow mushrooms in a clean and germ-free environment.
• Do not use pesticides during cultivation.
• Chemicals affect the growth of mushrooms.
• Clean your hands with a disinfectant solution before touching the mushrooms.
• This will prevent the spread of diseases.
• Ensure proper ventilation in the room where the mushrooms are grown.
• Use an exhaust fan for this.
• Fresh air keeps the mushrooms healthy.

Practical Tips For Increasing Cordyceps Militaris Production

Here are some practical tips based on experience:

• Always obtain quality spawn (seeds).
• Regularly monitor and record humidity and temperature.
• Whenever any disease or infection is noticed, immediately separate the affected jar from the rest of the jars.
• For good mushrooms, provide eight to ten hours of dim light per day.
• Dry the mushrooms immediately after harvest. This will maintain the quality of the mushrooms.

Conclusion

Cultivation of Cordyceps Militaris is a new business. Hard work yields good results. Proper information and attention are essential. For successful cultivation, learn continuously. Gain experience. Follow the principles of cultivation. You, too, can cultivate this rare mushroom. Earn excellent profits.