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It is obtained from the roots of many orchid plants, the scientific name of which is Orchis Mascula, which grows in the southern regions of Europe, Turkey, Iran, Egypt and the Middle East. The scientific name of the orchid genus is derived from the Greek word orchis. This name comes from the oval tubers found on the roots of these plants. Therefore, there are claims that this herb affects men’s health, and drinks based on it are produced in parts of Southern Europe. Foxglove powder is produced from the tubers of orchid roots and is used in foods. This material is 100% natural.

The glands obtained from this plant consist of starch polysaccharide (glucomannan) and essential oil.

When added to milk or water, glucomannan can increase the viscosity of the solution and form a colloidal solution. In general, glucomannan is a natural food additive used as an emulsifier and thickener. As a result, foxglove may have unique properties as it is rich in glucomannan and can be used abundantly in making ice cream and all kinds of drinks.

Consumption date
The use of orchids in many cultures has a historical background. For example, in Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi, orchid root tubers are used to prepare foods called chikanda. In the Eastern Mediterranean, the dried tubers of terrestrial orchids are known as ta’lab. This material is used in the production of ice cream, beverages and desserts.

In Greece, it is most commonly used in the drink known as salepi, which is sold in local markets as a hot drink during the winter. Before the advent of coffee, foxglove was widely consumed in Europe, but now it is consumed only in Greece and a few Mediterranean countries. Synthetic substitutes such as corn starch and carboxymethyl cellulose are available for this material, but natural foxtail is still in demand.

Features of the fox
In addition to being used in making beverages and ice cream in some countries, especially in Turkey, foxtail is also known as a medicinal substance. It is believed to relieve chest congestion and bronchitis, is good for the heart, and also increases energy levels and libido. Some people also believe it can cure constipation. By adding the powder of this substance to water and drinking it, problems such as heartburn, bloating and other digestive problems can be improved. This substance is also used in the treatment of diarrhea, especially in children.

Damages
Many people take it daily in the form of edibles, and no particular complications have yet been observed in this regard. However, since there is no research on its harmful effects on pregnancy and children, caution is recommended in these cases.

Producing
To produce the powder of this substance, the tubers taken from the orchid are first dried and then crushed until they become powder. It is estimated that 30 tons of this substance is harvested in Turkey every year.

Between 1,000 and 4,000 tubers are needed to produce each kilogram of foxglove, and each of these comes from a separate plant. According to this interpretation, between 30-120 million plants are harvested annually in Turkey. It is estimated that between 5.5 and 6.1 million orchids are harvested annually in Iran and most of them are exported to Turkey.

applications
The above substance is used in the production of foods such as ice cream, beverages and desserts and gives these foods unique properties and characteristics. Below is a brief description of how to make ice cream and drinks with this ingredient.

Ice cream
Using fox in ice cream increases the viscosity and gives it flexibility and softness. This type of ice cream has many fans in Iran and Turkey. In Turkey, this substance is used abundantly in the production of special ice creams called Dondurma.

This type of ice cream is thick, soft, creamy and elastic and resistant to melting. Therefore, this ice cream is a good choice for hot summer days. It is considered a very suitable option due to the heat it creates in the mouth in winter. Another additive added to this type of ice cream is the resin obtained from the baneh tree.