Caterpillar fungus, Winter worm summer-herb
Cordyceps sinensis
Family: Clavicipitaceae
What it is like
A mushroom or fungus. It grows on the carcass of the larval insect.
There are about 100 Cordyceps species.
Where it is found
It occurs in the Himalayan grassland above 3353 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal
How it is used for food
It is cooked with duck, chicken, pork and fish in soups and stews. The fungus enhances the flavour. It is also used in herbal mixtures.
Edible parts
Fungus, mushroom
How it is grown
Spores are spread onto a suitable host.
It has to be harvested by trained experts.
Its other names
Local names
Chongcao, Dong chong cao, Yarsagumba
Synonyms
Anamorph - Hirsutella sinensis;