Vanilla is a flavor that originally comes from the Vanilla orchid. The Vanilla planifolia is an orchid native to South America. The rod-shaped fruit is rod-shaped and one of the most expensive spices in the world. But why is it so expensive?
Growing and harvesting vanilla
Outside natural habitat
Vanilla is now grown outside South America in places such as Madagascar due to the advantages of the tropical climate. Only after 3 years are orchids able to flower. And then the Vanilla orchid still has to be fertilized. This is done with the help of the Melipona beecheii (a specialized bee) in its natural habitat in South America. Because a lot of Vanilla is grown outside its natural habitat (for example, in Madagascar), these orchids must be pollinated by hand.
Manual fertilization and temperature
Added to this is the fact that the orchid only allows one flower to open from the cluster per night. Once fertilization is successful, it takes another five to eight months before the semi-ripe vanilla fruit can be harvested. But that's not all. All it takes is one or two cold nights and the harvest has failed.
Process after picking
After the vanilla is picked, it is wrapped in wool and the fermentation process begins. At night, the fruits of the Vanilla orchid are kept airtight so that the aroma is well preserved.
Conclusion
Harvesting is risky and takes a lot of energy and expertise from the grower. Moreover, the natural pollinator is not ubiquitous due to production in other tropical parts of the world. This further complicates the process. Cultivation is difficult and weather conditions can cause an entire crop to fail. Therefore, vanilla is a very expensive spice.
