General Information
Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron because growing the Vanilla seed pods is labor-intensive. Vanilla pods, commonly called Vanilla beans, are the fruit of the Vanilla orchid. The Melipone bee, historically responsible for the pollination of the orchid, is found only in Mexico therefore the orchid needs assistance in order to produce fruit. In order to this the orchid flowers are laboriously hand-pollinated at a very specific time of the day when the flowers are open during a short one-month flowering period. The fruit is not permitted to fully-ripen, since this will cause the beans to split, thus losing commercial value. Hand harvesting occurs four to six months after the fruit appears on the vines. Once harvested, the green beans go through a treatment process lasting another six months so as to produce their unique aroma and flavor. Due to the difficult and tedious process employed in the manufacture of Vanilla and because it is the only source of natural vanillin it is considered a prized flavoring that is sold at very high prices.
Uses
Vanilla the only edible fruit of the orchid family is a natural wonder. Apart from the characteristic smell and flavor of Vanilla which is the main characteristic of Vanilla it is also has other key uses namely medicinal, Aphrodisiac, Perfumery, Dieting and Aromatherapy. However it is primarily used in It is used as a flavor ingredient in confectionery industry. The aroma and flavor of the cured Vanilla bean/pod are the characteristics that determine the bean’s commercial value on the world market. Processing should be done carefully to preserve the maximum aroma and flavor as well as the physical appearance.
Medicinal and Nutritional Properties
In old medicinal literature, Vanilla is described as an aphrodisiac and a remedy for fevers. Vanilla is said to help lift our spirits, soothe jangled nerves, calm us, make us feel good, and can even help in weight loss. It’s the secret ingredient that makes a lot of medicines go down more easily.
Standard quality specifications
Length of pods – between 17-25cm Smell – Inherited Vanilla smell
Color – Dark brown or black color Moisture – around 25%-30%
Appearance – Shiny oily surface, Lack of insect attacks and other patches
Cleanness – Lack of extraneous matter, animal o plant parts or insects
History
It is believed that Vanilla originated in north eastern Mexico. The history of Vanilla started with the ancient Totonaco Indians of Mexico who were the first keepers of the secrets of Vanilla. However, when they were defeated by the Aztecs they were demanded to surrender their secret, the exotic Vanilla pods. It was the Spanish who eventually took control of the Vanilla cultivation combined Vanilla with cacao to make an unusual yet pleasing drink. For many years this unique beverage was a privilege enjoyed by the nobility and the very rich. Then true uses of the Vanilla bean was uncovered in 1602 when Hugh Morgan, suggested that Vanilla could be used as a flavoring all by itself thereby making Vanilla the versatile flavoring it is. Today Vanilla is grown as a commercial crop in Madagaskar, Indonesia, Mexico, Thahiti and few other countries including Sri Lanka.
