Orchid is the popular name for any plant of the family Orchidaceae. They are found in temperate and tropical regions and have showy flowers with three sepals and three petals, of which the lower one is usually larger, wider and more brightly coloured than the others and is known as the labellum. Orchids occur all over the world, but are most common in tropical countries. In temperate regions orchids are generally terrestrial, while thousands of tropical species are epiphytic, growing upon branches of jungle undergrowth and trees, without being parasitic. Almost all orchids are specially modified for insect fertilization, most interesting being the arrangement of pollen in club-shaped pollen masses or pollinia, which become glued to the head of any insect seeking the flower's nectar, and are so borne to other flowers.
Orchids are extensively cultivated for the variety and beauty of shape and colour from several species of orchids salep is prepared, and vanilla from unripe fruit of the species Vanilla planifolia. Research Orchid
Vanilla is a genus of perennial climbing tropical orchids, which bear thick leaves, and spikes or racemes of large flowers, not usually of much beauty. The commercial vanilla, vanilla planifolia, is a native of Central America, vanilla has large, fleshy, rectangulat leaves, and green or white and green flowers, succeeded by slender seed-pods, about 15 cm long, which are utilised for the
flavouring of chocolate, liqueurs, etc. Several other species of the genus are used for the same purpose, but are not equal to Vanilla planifolia. Research Vanilla
Consomme royale is a soup served with pieces of firm, savoury custard (made from eggyolk and milk or stock, and flavoured with salt and pepper rather than sugar and vanilla) floating in it. Research Consomme Royale
Custard is a usually sweet sauce or desert made from milk or cream and eggs and variously flavoured, most commonly with sugar and vanillaessence. In common custard, the eggs are beaten with the sugar and then milk and the vanillaessence are added. The dish may also be steamed and served set as a desert. Research Custard
Duckanoo is a West African cake-like pudding made from cornmeal, coconut, milk, sugar, butter, currants or raisins, and flavoured with nutmeg and vanilla. Research Duckanoo
Essex pudding is a form of steamed cake comprising an open pastry shell filled with a vanilla flavoured filling with a thick layer of jam between the pastry and the filling. Research Essex Pudding
Swiss cream is a sweet desert comprising macaroons or small sponge-cakes, soaked in sherry and covered with cream thickened with arrowroot and flavoured with lemon juice. An alternative is to use cream flavoured with vanilla and dry cakes, not soaked in sherry. Research Swiss Cream
Vanilla is the fruit of the tropical orchid Vanilla fragrans native to central America. It is popularly used as a flavouring, being an essential ingredient in chocolate, custard and other dishes. Research Vanilla
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Blue Java
