LAUSR

Drying is an important method in the preservation of food and plant materials. The effects of sun-drying (SD), freeze-drying (FD), hot air drying (50 °C, 70 °C; HD) and microwave drying (420 W, 700 W; MD) on the physiochemical properties and antioxidant activities of Cordyceps militaris were examined. Results showed that freeze-drying led to the lowest color difference and maintained more cordycepin and polysaccharide. Microwave drying at 700 W helped to preserve larger amounts of phenolic compounds and carotenoids, so showed higher DPPH and ABTS free radicals scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Therefore, microwave drying should be a potential method for obtaining dried C. militaris with high antioxidant activity.