White Orchid Flowers
Estimated Inventory, 50 ct : 10.00
This item was last sold on : 04/08/26
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Description/Taste
White orchids are symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing blooms, averaging 5 to 7.6 centimeters in diameter. The flowers are comprised of a combination of flat sepals mixed with petals, showcasing multiple shapes from a broad, curved, oval appearance to a more tapered, narrow, and lanceolate shape. White orchid sepals and petals are smooth, soft, supple, and velvety, bearing a sturdy, durable nature. In the center of the flower, a fleshy structure contains the flower’s stamens and pistils and is surrounded by small petals and a prominent bottom petal called a lip. White orchids have a white to ivory coloring, giving them a pure, clean appearance. White orchids are not commonly recommended for consumption, and the blooms are reserved as a decorative enhancement on plates and beverages.
Seasons/Availability
White orchids are available year-round.
Current Facts
White orchids are botanically a part of the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants. There are several hundred genera and thousands of species within the Orchidaceae family, and the term White orchid is a general descriptor that can be used for many varieties. The White orchids featured in the photograph above are notably curated for the culinary industry by Fresh Origins® in San Diego, California. The blooms belong to the Dendrobium genus and are decorative flowers favored for their versatility, beauty, and durability. Orchids have been revered throughout history for their aesthetic qualities and are utilized by chefs and mixologists as a decorative focal point on dishes and drinks. The flowers also have a long shelf life, allowing them to be used for a wide array of dishes and beverages, and stored in commercial kitchens for a few days. At Fresh Origins®, White orchids are grown with traditional farming methods utilizing natural sunlight, a proprietary soil combination, and water.
Nutritional Value
White orchids have not been studied for their nutritional properties, as they are generally not recommended for consumption. In China, some species of Dendrobium orchids are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonic. The stems and petals of the flowers are steeped like an herbal tea, and the liquid is consumed. It is important to note that orchids for medicinal use should only be sourced through licensed professionals. While the flowers in the photograph above are only used for decorative purposes, some orchid species worldwide are sold dried through Chinese medicine practitioners as a method to remove heat from the body, promote longevity, and cleanse the kidneys.
Applications
White orchids are not recommended for consumption. Worldwide, some communities choose to eat select species of orchids, but more research and discussion with a medical professional should be had prior to eating the blooms. The White orchids in the photograph above from Fresh Origins® are decorative and not consumed. Fresh Origins® notes on its website that the blooms are ideal as a focal point on beverages and culinary dishes. White orchids can adorn the rims of cocktails, mocktails, sparkling drinks, and tropical punches. They can also be used to decorate the base of drink bowls and food displays. For culinary purposes, White orchids are placed on plates as a garnish to draw the eye to the prepared food. The flowers are popularly used alongside seafood dishes like ceviche, grilled fish, sushi, and crudo, or they can be layered onto rice and noodles. Orchids are often displayed with tropical cuisines and can elevate simple dishes like soups, stews, and curries. The blooms are a tool used by chefs as they can be added to plates with no additional prep time. Beyond savory dishes, White orchids are layered on tiered cakes, tarts, puddings, custards, and other desserts. White orchids will typically keep for several days when stored in their original clamshell in the refrigerator. It is recommended to immediately use them for the freshest appearance.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The genus name Dendrobium was created by Swedish botanist Olof Swartz in 1799. The word Dendrobium is a combination of the Greek “dendro,” meaning “tree,” and the New Latin “bium,” which is taken from the Greek “bion” or “bios,” meaning “living on.” Dendrobium, or “living on a tree,” was given to the orchid species within this genus due to their natural habitats. Most Dendrobium orchids grow on other host plants and objects, such as trees or rocks. When they grow on trees, they are categorized as an epiphyte, or a species that grows on another plant but does not harm the host plant. Epiphyte orchids are not parasitic and solely use the host plant as a physical support.
Geography/History
White orchids are naturally found in the wild and have been present in various tropical to high-altitude regions, depending on the specific variety. Orchids have been growing since ancient times and were selectively bred over time for improved or particular traits. There are many White orchids found worldwide that are used for medicinal, culinary, and cultural purposes. White orchids curated by Fresh Origins® are grown in San Diego, California. Fresh Origins® is the largest grower and supplier of microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty items in the United States and was established in 1995. The specialty company utilizes its ideal location in the mild Southern California climate to produce robust, healthy, and eye-catching flowers. White orchids are grown year-round in greenhouses through Fresh Origins®, and the flowers are hand-harvested, packed, and shipped at peak quality to provide chefs and mixologists with a quality garnish. The white blooms are sold by themselves or seasonally mixed into the decorative Orchid Patriotic Mix™ and the Multi-Colored Orchid Mix. Today, White orchids, in general, can be found worldwide, but the flowers grown by Fresh Origins® are found through select distribution partners across the United States, including Specialty Produce. Some partners of Fresh Origins® are also present in Canada.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Extraordinary Desserts Union St. | San Diego CA | 619-294-7001 |
| Snake Oil Cocktail Company LLC | San Diego CA | 619-754-4041 |
| RB Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-613-9000 |
| insideOUT (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-793-9221 |
| Polite Provisions | San Diego CA | 619-677-3784 |
| Viejas Casino | Alpine CA | 619-659-1774 |
| Prey Brewing Company | Vista CA | 760-822-4226 |
| Side Bar | San Diego CA | 619-348-6138 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Espadin | Temecula California | 951-383-5585 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Bag of Beans Café & Restaurant | Chula Vista CA | 619-395-2716 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Cutwater Spirits (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| Extraordinary Desserts | San Diego CA | 619-294-2132 |
