For the past year, most of the topics I've covered in my monthly orchid care tips have come from questions I've received at my classes and presentations. I would now like to open this up to anyone who may have a question on orchid care. Send your question to my email address listed at the bottom of this page. I will go through the questions I receive each month and pick one to address here.
August Orchid Care Tip
Orchids Used as Food
Most people don’t associate orchids as food sources. However, anyone who has used vanilla extract can thank an orchid. As discussed in my Orchid of the Month, probably the most recognizable orchid that is used as a food source is the Vanilla planifolia orchid. These orchids naturally produce an aldehyde called vanillin which is used to make vanilla extract. While vanilla may be the largest commercially produced orchid product, it isn’t the only one.
Many Asian cultures use the flowers and canes from certain Dendrobium species. The canes are crushed to make a tea and the flowers are added to stir fry or coated and deep-fried Tempura-style. Some Mediterranean cultures use orchid tubers to make a tea called salep and even type of ice cream called dondurma. Other tubers are crushed and used as seasoning. So, the next time you look at your orchid, remember it’s not just another pretty flower!
Most people don’t associate orchids as food sources. However, anyone who has used vanilla extract can thank an orchid. As discussed in my Orchid of the Month, probably the most recognizable orchid that is used as a food source is the Vanilla planifolia orchid. These orchids naturally produce an aldehyde called vanillin which is used to make vanilla extract. While vanilla may be the largest commercially produced orchid product, it isn’t the only one.
Many Asian cultures use the flowers and canes from certain Dendrobium species. The canes are crushed to make a tea and the flowers are added to stir fry or coated and deep-fried Tempura-style. Some Mediterranean cultures use orchid tubers to make a tea called salep and even type of ice cream called dondurma. Other tubers are crushed and used as seasoning. So, the next time you look at your orchid, remember it’s not just another pretty flower!