Vanila

 

Vanila

Vanilla planifolia

Vanilla originated from Mesoamerica, specifically Mexico and Central America. The primary species, Vanilla planifolia, is native to this region. While it is now grown in many tropical areas, its origins trace back to the jungles of Mexico and Central America. The Totonac people of Mexico were among the first to cultivate vanilla. Vanilla plant, is a tropical climber known for its fragrant pods used in flavoring, comes from the Vanilla orchid. The orchid produces greenish yellow, waxy, and fragrant flowers that bloom for only a single day. These flowers must be hand pollinated to produce the vanilla pods, which are the fruit of the vine. The pods, initially green, develop over several months and are then cured to develop their characteristic aroma and flavor.

The vanilla pods, also known as beans, are the fruit of the vanilla vine.  They develop from the pollinated flowers and can take 6 to 9 months to mature, reaching about 18-20cm in length. Initially green, the pods gradually turn yellow and then brown as they mature. They have no aroma at this stage and require a complex curing process to develop their characteristic vanilla flavour. The curing process involves sweating, drying and exotic treatments to bring out the vanillin. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron due to the labour intensive cultivation process.