Tag: Flower garnishes

Over 25,000 different orchid species exist worldwide, and while many are purely ornamental, certain types, including some Dendrobium species, have a long history of culinary and medicinal use in different cultures. However, the key to answering the question, 'Are dendrobiums edible for humans?' is understanding that not all species within this vast genus are the same, and careful identification is crucial for safety.

The common starflower, borage ($Borago officinalis$), is renowned for its edible, blue, star-shaped blossoms, but many varieties also produce white flowers. Fortunately, the elegant, white-flowered variety, known as $Borago officinalis$ 'Alba', is just as edible as its blue counterpart and provides a delicate, fresh cucumber flavor.