The vanilla orchid originated in Mexico and, for centuries, was the exclusive secret of the native Totonac Indians who were later conquered by the Aztecs. When the Aztec empire fell to Hernán Cortés, vanilla pods were brought back to Spain, thus introducing the flavorful beans to the rest of the world. Mexico remained the sole growing region for vanilla beans for another 300 years because of the symbiotic relationship between the vanilla orchid and a tiny, indigenous bee called the Melipona. This Mexican bee is the only insect that evolved to pollinate the vanilla orchid flower.
Vanilla Farm
Vanilla beans grow green on the vine and harvested when it turns yellow. Vanilla beans are grown in tropical regions, warm temperatures, and proper soil.
Vanilla Bean
The curing process is what gives the beans their brown color, as well as their flavor and aroma. The entire curing process takes three to six months.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol. Its vanilla flavor comes from a molecule called vanillin.
White Chocolate
Vanilla is one of the popular flavors used in a variety of sweets and desserts and one of those sweets is white chocolate.