Salepi, chapel, Sernikovotano, Salep, sahlep, (Orchis mascula). ID: 344-41

The common name salepi refers both to the powder obtained from the dry tubers of many species of the Orchid family, and to the name of the plant itself which in the world of phytology is referred to as Orchis mascula.

Salep is also said to have healing properties, as it contains arabin, tragacanth and a lot of starch which when dissolved in water creates a viscous liquid and is considered suitable for relieving cough, asthma and stomach pain. Hippocrates, Asclepius, Theophrastus, and Galen are mentioned in this and in its healing properties.

In folklore this plant is called sernikovotano , because it was believed that if the future father ate large salep bulbs he would give birth to a male child.

According to mythology, Orchis was the son of a nymph and a satyr and was sentenced to become a plant because he had raped a priestess during the Bacchic mysteries. ^{< / sup>}

The aphrodisiac reputation of the plant has existed since Roman times, where drinks from the root of the orchid were quite common, which were even called "priapiska" or "satyrs", by the god of fertility Priapus.

In Greece it is found mainly in the Pindos mountain range, in the Rhodopes and on Mount Verno, in natural meadows as a water-loving plant.

Salepi is used mainly in the East but also in Greece as a winter warming, emollient and nourishing drink.

The tubers are first moistened with boiling water to remove the essential oil they contain, which, if left, gives the salepi a bitter and unpleasant taste.

They are then dried and ground.

Prepare a decoction of the powder, which is sweetened with sugar or honey and flavored with cinnamon or ginger.

Salepi is the main ingredient together with mastic for making ice cream.

A cup of salepi made with commercial salepi powder and the traditional recipe with milk and cinnamon (3/4 cup full milk, 2/3 cup salepi, 1 tbsp granulated sugar) gives us: < / p>

It is worth noting that if a cup of salep drink meets 23% of an adult's daily needs for calcium.

The simple salepi without milk and sugar has about 15 calories per serving.

The starch contained in salep in combination with the substances arabine and tragacanthine when diluted in water or milk form a thick liquid, sticky due to the substance basarin containing, which seems to have a relieving effect on coughs and asthma. / p>

Helps with stomachache and in case of intestinal discomfort and diarrhea. This sticky drink is also thought to have a healing effect on gastrointestinal ulcers, such as stomach ulcers.

Its high caloric content combined with its high content of the precious minerals phosphorus and calcium can be a source of energy for people in need of stimulation and support, such as athletes, children and the elderly.

Finally, let us not forget the aphrodisiac properties that are attributed to it, which are also responsible for its name, and which are enhanced by various spices added to the drink such as cinnamon or vanilla.

How to use: decoction.