Vanilla planifolia
Origin: Madagascar
Family: Orchidacea
Part used: Seed pod
Vanilla comes from the seed pods of an orchid flower of the genus Vanilla, and is native to Central and South America and the Carribean. The flower, which lasts for less than a day, is pollinated by hand. This technique, still used today, was invented in 1841 by a 12 year old slave, Edmond Albius of the Réunion. Popular in cooking and perfume, Vanilla also enjoys widespread use for its therapeutic qualities which includes the promotion of relaxation, calmness and as an aphrodisiac.
A sweet, warm and exotic scent. Reminiscent of freshly baked cookies and cream.
By the time the Spaniards invaded South America, the Vanilla bean was well entrenched in Aztec culture. Over time, Vanilla became a rare commodity and was sometimes used as currency. The Europeans started manufacturing Vanilla with chocolate around the 16th century but the plant was not cultivated there until the 18th century. Along with its culinary properties, Vanilla is revered for its evocative scent which has been said to inspire comfort, security and emotional stability. It has also been widely used as an aphrodisiac.