This study addresses the alterations in nutrients &#91;calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E (VC and VE, respectively)&#93; and cordycepin content, alongside its sensory appeal in <i>Cordyceps militaris</i>, subjected to five distinct cooking methods: boiling, steaming, roasting, microwaving, and deep-frying. A comparative analysis showed the notable decline in nutrient content across most cooking methods excluding deep-frying. In notable contrast, the content of VE was substantially amplified during deep-frying, thereby emphasizing its value in preserving nutrients. However, an exception was noted wherein VE content remained essentially unchanged in the microwaved samples. Notably, the cordycepin content in boiled <i>C. militaris</i> reduced significantly, contrastingly, an elevation in this content was recorded for steamed, microwaved, or deep-fried samples, with roasting producing a stable content comparable to raw samples. The principal component analysis further discerned the iron, VC, and cordycepin as primary influencers on raw and roasted <i>C. militaris</i>, signifying superior retention during roasting, whereas deep-fried samples were predominantly affected by the calcium and VE content. Observation on nutrient losses revealed that boiling, steaming, and microwaving were less efficacious, compared with roasting and deep-frying. Sensory evaluations inductively favored steaming as synonymous with the finest culinary attribute, whereas deep-frying ranked least favorably on the sensory scale. Consequently, the present study offers refined dietary advice for the consumption of <i>C. militaris</i> catered to specific demographic groups, deepening understanding of the effects of various culinary practices on its overall nutrient profile and organoleptic properties.
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