How to distinguish between authentic and fake Cordyceps
Distinctive Appearance of Authentic Bhutanese Cordyceps
Authentic Cordyceps have four pairs of tiny legs located near the head and tail. These legs are flat, less noticeable, and can be difficult to identify compared to the other four pairs, which are more clearly visible.
In contrast, fake Cordyceps typically have eight pairs of clearly visible and neatly arranged legs, making them easier to distinguish from genuine Cordyceps.
Natural Strength and Resilience of Cordyceps
Authentic, high-quality Cordyceps are well dried and hard, but they can easily break when bent.
Cordyceps should be dried naturally under the sun immediately after they are cleaned following harvesting from the soil. Proper natural drying helps improve the quality and grade of the Cordyceps.
At Cordyceps from Bhutan Company, we provide only fresh and newly harvested Bhutanese Cordyceps.
Natural Color of Authentic Bhutanese Cordyceps
Authentic Bhutanese Cordyceps are found in shades of light brown to natural hues. The head of Bhutanese Cordyceps is usually large and red in color.
The head of Bhutanese Cordyceps is either dark red or orange due to the weather conditions and snow during the harvesting season. Dark red heads are considered to be of the best quality and are therefore more expensive.
Natural Aroma of Authentic Bhutanese Cordyceps
Authentic Cordyceps have a fungi-like smell, very similar to that of mushrooms. Fake Cordyceps do not have a mushroom-like odor and may sometimes smell like wood or sulfur.
The best quality Bhutanese Cordyceps have a strong smell that is similar to dried fish.
Water Test for Authentic Cordyceps
After putting the Cordyceps in water, the color of authentic Cordyceps remains unchanged. Fake Cordyceps, however, may lose their color, and the water in which they are immersed may become dark in hue.
After 7–8 hours, the water may develop a rotten taste and become slightly murky, which indicates that the Cordyceps is of superior quality.
Natural Taste of Authentic Bhutanese Cordyceps
After putting it in water, the color of authentic Cordyceps remains unchanged. Fake Cordyceps, however, may lose their color, and the water in which they are immersed may become dark in hue.
Cordyceps do not have any taste, but when soaked in water, the water may develop a rotten taste, while whiskey may taste sweet, which means it is more effective.