GRINDED SALEPI

Orchid or Fenugreek or Salepi - refers, for the most part, to the variety Morio (Turkey) and less often to the varieties Mascula and Militaris (mainly Europe) of the species Orchid (Orchis) of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae). These are the most widespread varieties of temperate regions, since most orchid varieties (about 80%) thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. The name "orchid" derives from the resemblance of the tuberous root of the plant to the male genitalia, an empirical name that also seems to apply to the Arabic name sahlab (from the Arabic phrase khuṣy al-thaʽlab = fox's testicles) from which the name derives salep. Although salepi basically refers to the flour made from the dried tubers of the plant, the two terms today are almost identical. Finally, the name sernicobotano comes from the aphrodisiac properties attributed to the root and mentioned by Theophrastus and Dioscorides, but even more so from the popular belief according to which the father consumed the eutrophic tuber of the orchid in order to give birth to a male child. Greek mythology has Orchis, son of a Satyr and a Nymph, gracefully transforming into an orchid when he insulted (or killed) a Bacchic Priestess. In Ancient Rome they also prepared beverages and drinks from the root of the orchid, which they even called satyrion or priapiscus (satyrion, priapiscus), with the second name coming from Priapus, god of fertility, testimony to the aphrodisiac properties that were also attributed by those in this plant. In Medieval England, witches of the time used the fresh tuber to attract true love and the withered bulb to quench illicit lusts. Salep as a drink was widely consumed in England, France from the 15th century until its replacement by coffee and tea. Today it is a drink that is coming back to the fore both for its exquisite taste and for its healing properties.

The starchy tuber of the orchid contains a polysaccharide, glucomannan, to which many of the nutritional, emollient (expectorant), mild astringent, antilipidemic and antidiabetic properties are attributed today. Belonging to the category of water-soluble dietary fiber, glucomannan has also been successfully used in cases of obesity to control the feeling of appetite and reduce body weight. Glucomanna is also considered active against teenage acne.

The nutritional value of salep refers to the significant amounts of calcium and phosphorus it contains as well as its starchy composition. Salepi is also attributed excellent anti-diarrheal (astringent) properties, thanks to the high content of tannins it contains and has in the past been systematically used to treat such disorders in children. By mixing one part of the powder with 50 parts of water or milk, salepi is prepared, a thick drink (thanks to the gelatinous texture of glucomanna), which is considered an excellent aid in preventing colds and flu, relieving coughs, asthma and other respiratory ailments. problems, stomach ulcer disorders, dysentery and accompanying symptoms, thanks to its softening and healing effects on the mucous membrane of the digestive system. Finally, salepi is attributed calming and anxiolytic, antipyretic, antiseptic, tonic properties, while it is believed to act protectively and tonic in the male reproductive system (prostate).

In gastronomy, salepi and glucomanna are used as homogenizers and flavor enhancers in various sweets and processed foods. In Turkey, in addition to the very popular salep, a mastic ice cream is made, which is mixed with mastic gum to achieve the special texture and which is particularly popular, which is also the original kaimaki ice cream.

For the preparation of salep, take ½ kg of salep and mix it with 4 glasses of milk over low heat until it acquires a mushy texture. To improve the taste, sugar and combinations of cinnamon, vanilla, saffron, rose water, ginger are added.

Note: The above presentation of the plant is in no way a prescription. Expert advice is considered necessary before using the plant.