Tag: Orchid root

Sahlab, also known as salep, contains a polysaccharide called glucomannan, which has been studied for its potential health benefits, particularly for digestive wellness. Traditionally prepared from the ground tubers of certain orchids, the drink's rich history is matched by its nutritional value, offering various benefits of Sahlab beyond its comforting warmth.

Although salep was served in English coffee houses in the 17th and 18th centuries as an alternative to the more expensive coffee and tea, it is not a coffee at all. This warm, milk-based beverage is a distinct and ancient drink with a rich history of its own.

Salep, a creamy beverage made from wild orchid tubers, has been cherished for centuries in the Middle East and Anatolia for its comforting warmth and health-promoting properties. The most notable benefit of salep tea is its soothing effect on the digestive and respiratory systems, largely attributed to the thick, mucilage-like substance derived from the orchid root powder.

To produce just one kilogram of authentic salep powder, thousands of wild orchid tubers are needed, highlighting the resource-intensive nature of this delicacy. This sweet, fragrant drink, popular across the Middle East and Europe for centuries, has a surprising and valuable origin.