Orchids are some of the natural world’s most wonderful objects. For many of us, they bring joy merely by gracing our living spaces or our greenhouses. Nevertheless it must be conceded that other than their beauty, orchids possess little practicality for human beings, with the singular exception of that estimable orchid that produces our vanilla flavoring.
If you had lived eighty to a hundred years ago, though, you might have enjoyed to try a wonderful tea made from the leaves of an unusual orchid. This drink, called Faham tea, achieved some celebrity among the French populace in the early years of the 20th century. To be specific, it was brewed from the pungent leaves of the Angraecum fragrans orchid (sometimes alternately recorded as the Jumella fragrans).
The rare orchid was indigenous to the Isle de Reunion off the African coast. An epiphytal variety known to locals as “faham,” its use as tea is credited to Reunion’s indigenous people, who are reported to have been the first to discover how tasty it could be.
An article in a horticultual magazine from 1924 stated that Faham tea had been introduced into France, where some consumers were imbibing it as a substitute for “Chinese” (i.e., regular) tea. “Every work on botany of any importance similarly places it in the foremost rank of the beneficial productions of this favored clime (Reunion),” the writer says. “One of our most illustrious writers George Sand eulogizes it in the midst of the fine description of the Island of Bourbon.” Bourbon was an earlier name for Reunion Island, by the way.
The orchid in question was known to grow very high on the steep slopes of the island, in the middle of nearly unreachable forests. The difficulties inherent in collecting a large amount of the plant meant that Faham tea, as a commercially viable product, was practically doomed to failure. Despite general agreement as to the tea’s tastiness, it was completely forgotten by the middle of the century.
Most of us will never learn what Faham tea tasted like. But if you happen to be fortunate enough to have a specimen or two of the Reunion Island orchid, you could sacrifice a few leaves and make some yourself. To prepare the tea, you first bring water to a boil in a tea kettle. Then, you put in some dried orchid leaves (about as much per cup as you would regular tea) to the water, turning off the heat and permitting it to steep for a few minutes.
A flyer from the 1920s promoting Faham tea states:
It can be used as a substitute for tea on all occasions, as it combines its tonic and digestive qualities free from the sleepless effect. It possesses an aroma of great delicacy capable of being rendered more or less pungent according to the quantity used, and it gives forth a most agreeable perfume. After being drank it leaves a lasting fragrance in the mouth and in a closed room the odor of it can be recognized long after.
This beverage has the further advantage over tea, which requires to be drank at the time of making in that it can be reserved for a future occasion if requisite, and may either be taken cold or made hot again. Milk or spirits in small quantities, especially rum, serve to develope its aroma and lending it additional delicacy or greater strength render it a delicious drink. Lastly this valuable plant is made use of to flavor custards and ices to which it communicates its delicate fragrance.
Sounds delicious. Faham tea, anyone?
Now, if you think you would like to try your hand at growing orchids, rare or elsewise, you must have accurate instructions.
Today there is lots of excellent, accurate information available for anyone who wants to grow orchids. The most complete guidebook to 21st-century orchid care, many people are finding, is Orchid Care Expert by a Mr. Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Howard’s well-written guide is a thorough education all by itself. And, it is appropriate for beginners as well as more seasoned orchid growers. Also, pleace return here often to GoGoKitty’s Orchid Secrets, which has an ever-expanding database of entries on all topics of orchid care.
