Is the traditional use of “salep” in the Bulgarian Rhodopes hazardous for the wild populations of terrestrial orchids?

doi:10.7320/flmedit28.399

Abstract

Highlights

The common name of genus Orchis in Bulgaria is “salep” (Stojanov 1964)
Collection of “salep” from wild populations was shown to be hazardous factor for the native populations. In this preliminary study we investigate how popular “salep” is in the Bulgarian Rhodopes and to what extent it is collected and utilized
The initial data obtained from the interviews indicate that “salep” is not popular amongst the local people in the Rhodopes and especially Central Rhodopes

Summary

Introduction

The common name of genus Orchis in Bulgaria is “salep” (Stojanov 1964). In Bulgaria and the eastern Mediterranean, dried tubers of terrestrial orchids are known as “salep”, which refers to ground tuber powder and the beverage made from this powder (Kasparek & Grimm 1999; Kreziou & al 2016). In Turkey, “salep” is used in icecream production (dundurma), confectionery and beverages. Turkish “salep” is produced from wild orchids. The whole plant is dug out together with its tubers. The wrinkled brown mother tubers, source of the blooming orchid is thrown away. The swollen daughter tuber grown to produce new tubers is boiled in order to prevent the sprouting and processed for “salep” production (Kasparek & Grimm 1999). “Salep” is derived from at least 30 species from the genera Aceras, Anacamptis, Barlia, Dactylorhiza, Mincheva & al.: Is the traditional use of “salep” in the Bulgarian Rhodopes

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Discussion

Conclusion