Cordyceps flower (scientific name Cordyceps Militaris), also known as 虫草花 in Mandarin.
Cordyceps flower is not technically a flower, it is a cultured fungus / mushrooms. It is similar to other Chinese mushrooms, it can be eaten and prepared like other ordinary mushrooms. The only difference is it's species and the conditions in which cordyceps flowers are grown.They have been used by the Chinese for thousands of years for its medicinal effects.
Cordyceps flower has a unique scent, similar like the aroma of mushrooms. When buying, choose the ones that are bright orange yellow in color. Higher quality cordyceps flower are more bulbous and have thicker stems.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, cordyceps flower have the following health benefits such as nourish lungs, reduce fatigue, enhance our immune system, improve sleep, tonify kidneys and liver, cough relief (it helps to moisten the throat) & rich in anti-aging properties.
I used black chicken in this soup. If you don't like black chicken, you can also replace with normal chicken / carcasses or pork bones. You may notice that the color of the soup will have a orangey tint after cooking, which is rather normal. You can eat the cordyceps flowers when you drink the soup. It's yummy like mushrooms!
Ingredients : (serves 2-3)
320g Black Chicken
6 big Red Dates (pitted)
8g Cordyceps Militaris
1 tbsp Goji (Wolfberries)
10g Yu Zhu
7g Dang Shen (5 sticks)
1200ml Water
Step by step:
1. Clean, remove the extra fats or skin from the chicken. Cut into desired size.
2. Bring some water to boil in pot, blanch the chicken for about 2 - 3 minutes, rinse and set aside.
3. Rinse all the herbs and add into pot with water. Add in the chicken as well.
4. Bring to a boil and reduce heat & let it simmer for 2 - 2.5 hrs. (I just boiled for 1 hour, then transferred to thermal cooker & let it stay inside continue cooking for another 1.5 hrs)
5. Ready to serve hot. Note: I didn't add any salt before consume. The adding of herbs already sweeten the soup. If you feel its tasteless, you may add a pinch of salt.
Disclaimer: Anyone currently under medication should consult their physician before taking any herbal health supplements.
Happy Cooking!
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