Ophiocordyceps sinensis, I believe everyone has heard of it, but also believe that many people are not clear about the mysterious and strange name. What exactly is this thing? Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a common name for ‘Bug Grass’, so is it a bug or a grass? Why is Ophiocordyceps sinensis so expensive? What are the benefits after eating Ophiocordyceps sinensis? How to distinguish the pure ‘Bug Grass’? Let’s learn together below!

Firstly, is ‘Ophiocordyceps sinensis’ an insect or grass?

In terms of the process of formation, ‘Ophiocordyceps sinensis’ is a combination of insects and grass, but in terms of the finished product, it does not belong to either insects or grass. It is a type of fungal algal plant microorganism and a precious Chinese herbal medicine, mainly distributed in the high-altitude areas of Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Gansu provinces, at an altitude of 4000 meters.

Secondly, what are the benefits of consuming ‘Ophiocordyceps sinensis’?

It is precious because ‘Ophiocordyceps sinensis’ contains a wealth of diverse nutrients, including cordycepic acid, cordycepin, cordyceps polysaccharides, protein, oleic acid, vitamin B12, ergosterol, hexitol, flavonoids, and more.

For the body, it has the effects of kidney-tonifying and yang-boosting, benefiting the lung, promoting blood circulation, stopping cough and phlegm, benefiting the deficiency and asthma, nourishing the essence, and enhancing the immune system.

Usage: soak in a small amount of water for drinking; cook meat in a soup; grind into powder using a small steel mill for consumption; some people now also make tablets for consumption.

Thirdly, how to distinguish genuine ‘Ophiocordyceps sinensis’?

Firstly, in terms of quality grade, the best is grown in the regions of Nagqu in Tibet and Yushu in Qinghai, followed by the western Sichuan Plateau and other areas.

Secondly, it is especially important to note that because people are extremely fond of ‘Ophiocordyceps sinensis’, its price has been driven up to ‘more expensive than gold’. However, in such situations, many illegal traders resort to selling fake, counterfeit, or substandard products to monopolize prices. Then, how can one distinguish genuine Ophiocordyceps sinensis?

Blood pressure observation: the ventral surface of the genuine Ophiocordyceps sinensis has 8 pairs of legs

The ventral surface of the genuine Ophiocordyceps sinensis has 8 pairs of legs, with 4 pairs in the middle of the insect body being more prominent. The grass part is connected to the insect’s head, and it cannot be pulled off. Fake Ophiocordyceps sinensis has a sticky mark. The cross-section of the insect body of the genuine Ophiocordyceps sinensis has distinct patterns, with a V-shaped or small black spot in the middle, which is the digestive gland of the small insect.

Blood-smelling: the strong smell of genuine Ophiocordyceps sinensis, with a unique Ophiocordyceps aroma

Pure Ophiocordyceps sinensis emits a strong smell when the packaging is opened, resembling the smell of mushrooms and meat products. Fake Ophiocordyceps sinensis may have a pungent chemical smell or a spicy, foul smell.

Additional touch: the material of the genuine Ophiocordyceps sinensis is comfortable and light, does not fade

The genuine Ophiocordyceps sinensis feels comfortable and light to the touch, is very easy to break, and does not fade when rubbed back and forth. In contrast, fake Ophiocordyceps sinensis has a firm and oppressive feel, may fade, or come off in a powdery form.

Tasting with a sense of weight: the genuine Ophiocordyceps sinensis has a crisp and sweet taste

The genuine Ophiocordyceps sinensis has a crisp texture and a sweet aroma like mushrooms when chewed, and the fragrance becomes more intense with each bite. Fake Ophiocordyceps sinensis is often made from fine mud, fine wood ash, and adhesive, and it tastes hard, crumbly, and astringent, with a gritty feeling, reminiscent of soil.

Market price for full-grown Ophiocordyceps sinensis: often around 200多元/gram

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is sold by the gram, with market prices often around 200多元/gram, and it is not necessary to buy a lot at once. If it is not consumed or stored properly, the nutritional components will leak out.