Have you ever observed some dishes or beverages covered with beautiful Orchid flowers?
Did you know vanilla Orchids are the only species that produce edible fruit?
Read on to unravel the Orchid mystery and what different ways you can consume them.
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Are All Orchid Flowers Edible?
Orchid flowers are considered edible because these plants are not known to produce toxins that may cause physiological harm.
In fact, the Orchid flower petals taste fresh and contain a crispy texture similar to leafy vegetables, which you can add to salad.
For example, the early purple Orchid is known for its many health benefits and is consumed as a nutritious drink by grinding and mixing with honey, spices, and hot water.
Identifying the specific species before considering any Orchid as food may be best. Here are a few examples with their specification.
| Species | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dendrobium Orchid | It has long, slender stems and vibrant flowers, where the petals are edible and often used in stir-fries, soups, desserts, etc. |
| Cymbidium Orchid | Known for their showy and large flowers, it has edible flowers that are used for garnishes in salads, desserts, etc. |
| Vanilla Orchid | Plants bear thick stems and flowers in hue of greenish to yellow. |
| Early-purple Orchid | Orchis mascula is an European orchid, which is used in traditional medicines |
| Habenaria radiata | Known as white egret flower, it boasts white flowers which is consumed as boiled or stir-fried |
That being said, some Orchid species are considered toxic and are entirely avoided from consumption.
Therefore, it is essential to practice caution and verify the safety of a particular Orchid species before consuming its flowers or any other parts.
Orchids Unsafe for Consumption
Here are some Orchid species considered unsafe for consumption.
| Species | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cypripedium | Commonly known as lady's slipper orchids, they boast intricate flowers, which are not considered edible. |
| Vanilla Orchids | Only the seeds pods of fruits of vanilla orchids are edible, flowers and leaves are not safe for consumption. |
| Cymbidium canaliculatum | It is a species of orchid native to Australia, containing toxic alkaloids that can cause adverse effects if consumed. |
Most Orchids are primarily cultivated for aesthetic appeal rather than edible properties.
Edible Orchid Flowers Benefits
Orchids are not just ornamental plants but are also one of the most beneficial medicinal herbs.
Did you know using Orchid extracts can help improve your skin health, alleviate stress, and even increase a patient’s recovery rate?
Likewise, here are some more proven benefits of using Orchid flowers.
1. Culinary Applications
The culinary application of Orchid flowers is immense, from adding to salads, drying to use as condiments, and infusing extra flavor in drinks.
You can add a touch of flavor, aroma, and visual interest to the meals you have prepared by garnishing Orchid flowers with freshly cut or dried ones.
Vanilla-flavored ice creams use extracts obtained from vanilla Orchids.
2. Helps Rejuvenate Skin
Did you know Orchid flowers possess cosmetic components that exhibit potent anti-aging characteristics, making them valuable in skincare?
They are abundant in flavonoids, known for their antioxidant and astringent properties, which keep skin hydrated.
You can also use Orchid flowers in facial mists or face packs to address blemishes.
3. Medicinal and Therapeutic Potential
Early purple Orchids are helpful and traditionally used in herbal and folk medicines.
The edible Orchid flowers may contain many medicinal properties, which provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic benefits to relieve ailments.
Some even believe that Orchid flowers could aid in medical treatments, although there is a lack of scientific evidence.
4. Helps Reduce Stress
Orchids can trigger positive emotions and enhance emotional resilience.
Additionally, the delightful, citrusy scent of Orchids reduces fatigue and induces relaxation.
Introducing Orchid plants into a room can enhance the healing process for patients.
5. Fragrance and Aromatherapy
Many Orchid species emit pleasant and delicate scents.
Therefore, perfumes, scented candles, and aromatherapy often use extracts and essential oils from Orchid flowers.
The fresh flowery scent can help soothe and uplift your mood.
6. Decoration and Cultural Significance
Feng Shui, a Chinese Geomancy, highly regards Orchids as houseplants.
Remarkably, Feng Shui experts suggest placing purple Orchids in the home, apartment, or office to attract wealth and yellow Orchids in the bedroom to attract better health.
White Orchids make perfect ornamental plants for their supposed purity, innocence, and spiritual prowess.
Similarly, Blue Orchids in areas such as work or study rooms will help one strengthen their career.
How to Eat Orchid Flowers?
Did you know certain cultures in Asia, Africa, and Australia have been consuming Orchid flowers for centuries?
Therefore, here are some mouth-savoring homemade recipes for freshly harvested Orchid flowers.
1. Orchid Flowers Salad
| Ingredients | Use cherry tomatoes, some red onion, mixed salad green bits, cucumber, lemon/lime juice, feta cheese, salt/pepper, freshly harvested orchid flowers, and some olive oil. |
| Instructions Step 1 | Take a large bowl and begin mixing salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion thoroughly. |
| Step 2 | Introduce orchid flower bits and feta cheese to the bowl and mix everything. |
| Step 3 | To introduce zest, add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a perfect dressing in a small bowl. |
| Step 4 | Spread the dressing over the salad and toss it. |
2. Vanilla Cupcakes with Orchid
| Ingredients | Use half a cup of all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, baking powder (half a teaspoon), salt (¼ tspn.), refined sugar (1 cup), two large eggs, vanilla extract, half a cup of milk, and orchid flowers. |
| Instructions Step 1 | Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cupcake tin with cupcake liners. |
| Step 2 | The next step is to mix ingredients like butter and sugar in a bowl. Stir until it looks fluffy. |
| Step 3 | Take another bowl and combine other ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat the eggs and mix it into it. Add some vanilla extract at the end. |
| Step 4 | Now take a large bowl and mix them all, and gradually introduce the milk. |
| Step 5 | Once the batter is prepared, fill each cupcakes. Just fill up about 2/3 of the size. |
| Step 6 | Place in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until ready. |
| Step 7 | Allow the prepared cupckaes to cool before garnishing it with sliced orchid flowers. |
From Editorial Team
Take Care Of Orchid Flowers For Benefits!
These tropical bloomers would require full sunlight, (Bi)weekly watering, rich organic soil, and moderate humidity to bloom.
However, remember to prune the Orchid flowers upon blooming for fresh harvest and ensure continual bloom.
