Cordyceps Militaris Liquid Culture Syringe

• May boost energy and stamina
• Supports immune system function
• Could enhance athletic performance
• Traditional use for respiratory health
• Potential antioxidant properties

1. Prepare a sterilized substrate (grain jars are common).
2. Under sterile conditions, inject a small amount of the liquid culture into your substrate.
3. Incubate in a suitable environment (refer to our Cordyceps growing guide [link to guide]).

Materials Needed:

• 10cc Cordyceps liquid culture syringe
• Agar plates (pre-prepared or homemade)
• Sterilized grain jars (e.g., brown rice, millet, or another suitable grain)
• Sterilized substrate (e.g., a mix of brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water)
• Sterile gloves
• Alcohol wipes
• Flame source (e.g., lighter or alcohol lamp)
• Clean working area (preferably a still air box or a laminar flow hood)
• Pressure cooker or autoclave (for sterilizing substrate)
• Sterile water and containers for liquid culture
• Aluminum foil
• Masking tape and labels

Step 1: Agar Expansion

1. Preparation and Sterilization:
   • Prepare Agar Plates: If using homemade agar plates, prepare the agar medium (e.g., potato dextrose agar or malt extract agar) and pour into sterile petri dishes. Allow the agar to solidify.
   • Sterilize Tools: Clean your working area thoroughly. Sterilize your scalpel and inoculating loop by heating until red-hot. Allow them to cool.
2. Inoculation of Agar Plates:
   • Set Up a Clean Work Area: Use a still air box or laminar flow hood. Wear sterile gloves and disinfect them with alcohol.
   • Inoculate the Agar: Flame sterilize the needle of the syringe until it glows red, then let it cool. Inject a small amount (1-2 drops) of the Cordyceps liquid culture onto the agar plate. Use the sterile inoculating loop to spread the culture evenly across the agar surface.
   • Seal the Plates: Close the petri dishes and seal the edges with parafilm or plastic wrap to prevent contamination.
3. Incubation:
   • Store the Plates: Place the inoculated plates in a dark, warm area with a stable temperature of 68-77°F (20-25°C).
   • Monitor Growth: Check the plates periodically for signs of mycelial growth, which should appear within a week. Fully colonized agar will be covered in white mycelium.

Step 2: Liquid Culture Expansion

1. Preparation and Sterilization:
   • Prepare Liquid Culture Medium: Mix 4% honey or light malt extract with water and pour into sterilizable containers (e.g., jars with self-healing injection ports). Sterilize the medium in a pressure cooker for 30 minutes at 15 psi. Allow to cool.
   • Sterilize Tools: Sterilize a syringe and needle, as well as any other equipment you will use.
2. Inoculation of Liquid Culture:
   • Set Up a Clean Work Area: Use a still air box or laminar flow hood. Wear sterile gloves and disinfect them with alcohol.
   • Inoculate the Liquid Culture: Flame sterilize the needle, let it cool, and inject 1-2cc of the Cordyceps liquid culture into the sterilized liquid medium through the injection port. Seal the port with sterile tape.
   • Mix Thoroughly: Shake the jar gently to distribute the culture throughout the liquid.
3. Incubation:
   • Store the Jars: Place the inoculated liquid culture jars in a dark, warm area at 68-77°F (20-25°C).
   • Monitor Growth: Agitate the jars daily to ensure even distribution of the mycelium. The liquid culture should show signs of mycelial growth within a week and be ready for use within 2-3 weeks.

Step 3: Substrate Inoculation

1. Preparation and Sterilization:
   • Prepare the Substrate: Mix your substrate ingredients (e.g., 2 parts brown rice flour, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part water) and fill your jars about 2/3 full. Sterilize the substrate in a pressure cooker at 15 psi for 90 minutes. Allow to cool.
   • Sterilize Tools: Clean your working area thoroughly. Sterilize a syringe needle and any other tools you will use.
2. Inoculation of Substrate:
   • Set Up a Clean Work Area: Use a still air box or laminar flow hood. Wear sterile gloves and disinfect them with alcohol.
   • Inoculate the Jars: Flame sterilize the needle, let it cool, and inject 1-2cc of the Cordyceps liquid culture from the expanded liquid culture jar into each sterilized substrate jar. Distribute the culture evenly.
   • Seal the Jars: Cover the inoculation site with sterile micropore tape to prevent contamination.
3. Incubation:
   • Store the Jars: Place the inoculated jars in a dark, warm area at 68-77°F (20-25°C). Maintain humidity levels around 70-75%.
   • Monitor Growth: Check the jars periodically for signs of colonization. The substrate should be fully colonized within a few weeks, appearing white and fuzzy.