Orchis mascula is the wild orchid species whose tubers are dried and ground into salep — a fine, faintly sweet powder prized for its stretchy, gum-like thickening power. We offer it as Pure Salep (Saleb), Wild Orchid Powder (for making Persian Ice Cream), wild-harvested and free of additives.
- Traditional uses: Salep is the classic base for Turkish and Persian ice creams (dondurma, bastani) and for the hot salep drink, prized for a chewy, elastic texture no ordinary starch can replicate.
- Ice cream base: Whisk about 1-2 teaspoons of Pure Salep (Saleb), Wild Orchid Powder (for making Persian Ice Cream) into a quart of milk base while heating gently, so it fully activates before chilling or churning.
- Hot salep drink: Simmer a teaspoon in a cup of hot milk with a touch of sugar, then dust with cinnamon on top.