Best Top 3 Edible Orchid Recipes

Looking to make unique and exotic meals? Try incorporating orchids into your cooking! There are several different edible orchid recipes that are easy to make and yummy to try. In this article you will find the top 3 edible orchid recipes that are popular throughout the world.

Almost all of the 25,000+ orchid species are edible. Many do not think to eat or consume these plants. Incorporating plants like orchids into the culinary arts has been a common practice dating back to Ancient Greece and China.

Orchids are known for their sweet and savory flavors. These plants have been incorporated into many different recipes throughout the world. Different cultures have used orchids in teas, alcoholic beverages, main-course meals, desserts, and much more.

In this post you will find information on different edible orchid recipes including information on:

• Edible orchid species
• How you can use orchids in your cooking
• Different recipes you can make
• Step-by-step instructions to make delicious meals

By the end of the post, you will be able to put your culinary skills to the test and be able to create exotic, delicious meals. Using orchids in your cooking will make everything you cook fun and unique!

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Edible Species of Orchids

All species of orchids, including blooms and stems, are edible. There are several species that are commonly used in the culinary arts.

Common types of edible orchids include:

• Vanilla Bean Orchids
• Cymbidium hookerianum Orchids
• Dendrobium Orchids

While you can use almost any type of orchid in your culinary arts, these are just of the few most common and edible species used. Below you will find more information about these plants and recipes you can use these orchids with.

Edible Orchids: Vanilla Bean Orchid

Vanilla bean orchids are popular in many different edible recipes. Most don’t know that vanilla extract comes from orchids. This plant, overtime, will grow vanilla beans from its blooms.

You can harvest the beans once they reach 6 inches in length. Once they reach this length, you can begin curing the beans and turn them into vanilla extract.

Curing Vanilla Beans

The curing process for vanilla beans can be an easy process. But this process does take a lot of time and patience as well.

A fully grown vanilla bean will reach 6 inches in length. At this length, you can begin curing your bean. To begin the curing process, wrap the bean in a dry paper towel and place it in direct lighting. You will want to completely dry the bean out.

You will need to wrap your beans in a new paper towel each day for 6 to 8 weeks. Once the bean is completely dry, it will appear brown and have zero moisture in it. You should then place the dried beans in a dark area for 1 to 2 months.

Turning Vanilla Beans Into Vanilla Extract

After the curing process, you can begin to make vanilla extract with your beans. To make vanilla extract, all you need are vanilla beans and vodka.

Take 1 cup of vodka and 6 to 8 vanilla beans (cut length wise down the middle) and place them in a mason jar. Then place the jar in a dark area and let the beans soak in the vodka for 1 month (the longer you let them soak, the stronger the vanilla flavor will be). Shake the mason jar every few days to mix things up.

With vanilla extract you can make a variety of different baked goods, from cookies, to cakes, ice cream, etc.

For more information on curing vanilla orchid beans and making vanilla extract check out this post on How to Extract Vanilla Beans From Vanilla Orchids.

Edible Orchids: Cymbidium Hookerianum

Cymbidium hookerianum is one of the popular orchids used for culinary purposes.

This species of orchid is native to India, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Australia. Throughout certain regions of the world, the cymbidium hookerianum is considered a delicacy. This flower is typically used in special meals, such as olatshe or olatchoto.

The cymbidium hookerianum will form 6 to 15 large, fragrant blooms. The blooms can be used and cooked at any point (whether they are open or not). Even though this type of orchid is fragrant, it tends to be bitter in taste. Usually you will need to pair this bloom with various spices (usually spicy ones) to help balance the taste out.

Edible Orchids: Dendrobium Orchid

Dendrobium orchids are popular in several different edible orchid recipes and culinary creations. There are over 1000 different species of dendrobium orchids. Most of the species of this type of orchid are native throughout most of Eastern Asia.

The dendrobium orchid can also be eaten raw and has a sweet, savory taste to it. The orchid blooms and even stems, are perfect additions to any meal.

The stems are usually used the most for cooking purposes. Stems hold the most nutrients and medical properties, all that can benefit the immune system. Orchid stems are popular to use in stews and soups. If you are feeling under the weather, try finding a soup recipe that uses dendrobidium orchids.

Check out this post for more information about Edible Orchids.

Culinary Uses for Orchids

There are many different uses for orchids in the culinary arts. These plants can be made into desserts, teas, alcoholic beverages, and delicious meals.

One of the biggest uses for orchids in cooking is for decoration. The blooms are often used to add a dramatic and beautiful feel to a variety of different dishes, desserts, teas, and cocktails.

This is common, especially in Asian cuisine. It is perfectly safe to serve people any part of the orchid. Even if you are using the orchid for decoration, people can still eat the orchid blooms if they choose to.

You can also set the mood by decorating your dinner table with an orchid center piece. Orchids are elegant and make the perfect display for any setting. These are perfect for romantic dinners, business ventures, brunch, or any other type of party or setting.

Orchids are perfect decoration for all occasions and meals. Whether you are decorating your dining room table, or adding an exotic vibe to the appearance of your meal, orchids are are perfect for all culinary uses. You can even find many different orchid-infused recipes that are fun and easy to make.

Edible Orchid-Infused Recipes

Orchid-infused recipes are popular throughout different regions of the world. Orchids are popular ingredients in many Asian-cuisine recipes.

In this section you will find information on 3 different recipes that incorporate orchids. This includes the dendrobidium, cymbidium hookerianum, and the vanilla bean orchid including recipes for:

• Orchid Tempura
• Olatshe
• Vanilla Ice Cream

Orchid Tempura

A popular dish that incorporates the dendrobium orchid into its recipe is Orchid Tempura. Orchid tempura is popular throughout many Asian countries (especially Thailand) and is easy to make. To make orchid tempura, all you need to do is batter the orchid bloom and deep-fry it till crispy.

You only need a few ingredients and the process to make these will take no more than half an hour of your time. This tasty treat will pair well with any type of stir-fry or can be an exotic-appetizer to serve at any occasion.

Olatshe

Cymbidium hookerianum orchids are most popular for their use in olatshe. Olatshe is a Bhutan version of cheese-dip. The cymbidium blooms tend to be bitter and sweet in flavor, but if combined with the right ingredients, like in olatshe, the blooms will taste delicious.

This recipe is simple to make. For this recipe, you will only need orchid blooms, water, cheese, spices, and salt. It will take you no more than 10 minutes to make olastshe.

Most people will use olatshe as a topping on rice or noodles or as a dip-mix.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Who knew that the main taste for vanilla ice cream comes from vanilla bean orchids.

Vanilla ice cream is a popular dessert worldwide. The recipe for vanilla ice cream can be fairly easy to follow and make, especially if you already have your own vanilla extract made (you can still use store bought extract–just more fun to make your own!).

Edible Orchid Recipes: Step-By-Step Directions

Making different recipes that incorporate orchids is easy. Most recipes only call for a few different ingredients and won’t take much of your time to make.

Orchid recipes are exotic and are unique to make and try. Below you will find step-by-step directions to make orchid tempura, olastshe, and vanilla ice cream.

Edible Recipe and Step-by-Step Directions to Make Orchid Tempura

Orchid tempura is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

To make orchid tempura you will need:

• 6-12 dendrobium orchid blooms
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 frying pan

This delicious treat will take you no more than 20 minutes to make once you have all the ingredients.

Steps to Make Orchid Tempura

1. Wash and dry the orchid blooms
2. Whisk 1 egg in a bowl to make an egg wash
3. Place 1 cup of flour in a separate bowl
4. Dip and coat your bloom in the egg wash
5. Completely coat your orchid bloom in flour
6. Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in frying pan on medium heat
7. Place battered orchid bloom in frying pan
8. Occasionally turn the blooms while frying
9. Fry the blooms until crispy and brown (should take no more than 5 minutes)
10. Remove blooms from frying pan and place on platter (I recommend placing a paper towel on the platter to help absorb excess grease)
11. Serve your homemade orchid tempura

Within 20 minutes you will have a crispy, delicious treat!

How to Make Olatshe

This recipe is a popular meal throughout most Bhutan culture. This dish is a common, everyday meal that is easy to make. Olatshe is similar to a cheese dip and only requires a few ingredients.

To make olatshe you will need:

• 10 to 15 Cymbidium hookerianum blooms
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of cheese (whichever kind you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cooking pan

Directions to Make Olatshe

Making olatshe is an easy process. This recipe will take you no more than 1 hour to make.

To make olatshe:

1. Wash your orchid blooms
2. Boil 2 cups of water in pan on medium heat
3. Add orchid blooms to water once boiling
4. Boil the blooms for 5 minutes
5. Remove blooms from water
6. Turn your stove burner on low heat
7. Add 1 cup of cheese to the water
8. Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper into the pan
9. Stir the mixture
10. Bring the olatshe to a simmer and cook on low for 15 to 20 minutes (occasionally stirring it)
11. Remove the olatshe from heat once at desired thickness (the longer you cook it, the thicker it will be)
12. Serve the olatshe

After you have made your olatshe, you can serve it over rice, noodles, and even chicken. You can also try dipping crackers in it as well.

Edible Orchid Recipes: Making Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream pairs well with almost any type of dessert and is even delicious by itself. Making your own vanilla ice cream is a fun and easy process–even for the kids!

To make vanilla ice cream, you will need:

• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (you can make your own from vanilla beans or purchase it from the store)
• 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups of half-and-half
• 1 large container with lid

It easy easy to make vanilla ice cream. The hardest part of this process is waiting for your ice cream mixture to freeze.

Making Vanilla Ice Cream in 4 Simple Steps

The process for making vanilla ice cream is easy, and will take no more than 3 hours to make and enjoy.

To make vanilla ice cream begin by:

1. Combine vanilla extract, heavy whipping cream, sugar, and half-and-half in a container
2. Stir the mixture until sugar is completely dissolved
3. Place a lid on the container
4. Place the container in a freezer for 2 hours or until completely frozen

It should take no more than 3 hours for the ice cream to completely freeze. After the ice cream is froze, it will be ready to enjoy!

Best Edible Orchid Recipes: Summarized

Orchids are a popular, edible item used in may different culinary recipes. Almost all orchids are edible and safe for humans to consume. All parts of the orchid (including the stem, leaves, and blooms) are safe and edible to eat.

There are many different edible orchid recipes throughout the world. Orchids are popular ingredients in various cultures and are even considered to be a delicacy in some.

Popular, edible orchids that are most used in the culinary arts include:

• Vanilla bean orchids
• Dendrobium orchids
• Cymbidium hookerianum orchids

Most recipes that use orchids are simple to make and only require a few ingredients in most cases.

Popular orchid-based dishes and recipes include:

• Orchid tempura (dendrobium orchid based)
• Olatshe (cymbidium hookerianum based)
• Vanilla ice cream (vanilla bean orchid based)

These are just a few of the popular orchid-based meals and there are many more you can find. You can also incorporate orchids not only into your cooking, but also as a way to decorate any plate, drink, or room that you may be in.

Orchids will add an exotic touch to any meal you make. Most orchids are sweet in taste and will pair well with almost anything. You can make desserts or dinners out of these beautiful plants, and will surely be wanting more once you are done!

Thanks for reading!