Jewel orchid

Anoectochilus formosanus, A. roxburghii

infusion

A small orchid with velvet leaves veined with gold, dried and drunk as a tea or simmered in broth, in Taiwan.

Origin

Forests of Taiwan and southern China

Where to find it

It is sold fresh or dried at markets in Taiwan, for a fortune.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

A small handful of the dried plant is simmered for ten minutes in water, or an hour in broth.

Did you know?

Over-picked in the wild, it is now propagated in flasks in the laboratory, then grown under shade netting.