Two roots, two power foods
Both are roots dried into powder and believed to give strength. Both stories show how trade affects wild nature and local growers.
Side by side
| Salep orchids | Maca | |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Orchis, Anacamptis, Dactylorhiza türleri | Lepidium meyenii |
| Family | Orchidaceae | Brassicaceae |
| Region | Anatolia and the Mediterranean | Andes |
| Part used | Tubers (dried and ground) | Root (hypocotyl) |
| Use | Food, Healing | Food, Healing |
| Scientific evidence | Traditional | Limited |
| Safety | Generally safe | Generally safe |
| Legal status in Türkiye | Restricted in Türkiye | No specific restriction |
Salep orchids
A winter drink cooked with milk; it gives Maraş ice cream its stretch. In folk belief it eases coughs and the stomach and gives strength.
In the 18th century it was sold on London streets as a hot drink called “saloop”.
Science: Rich in a mucilage called glucomannan, which thickens and soothes the throat. There are no clinical studies of its medicinal claims.
Safety: Safe to consume. The real risk is to the orchids: thousands of tubers are dug up for one kilo of salep.
Maca
Grown on Peru’s Junín plateau above 4,000 m, where few other crops survive. It is dried and boiled, made into flour or drinks, and eaten for fertility and strength; Inca soldiers are said to have been given it.
Science: Small clinical studies show slight improvements in libido and menopause symptoms. The studies are small and some are industry-funded.
Safety: Safe as food. Raw or very large amounts can upset the stomach. People with thyroid problems should be careful.
Last reviewed: · Türkçe
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