Vanilla extract is from the vanilla orchid plant and most of us
didn't realize that this well used spice comes from an orchid plant. The species
is named Vanilla planifolia and it is "the" primary orchid species of commercial
enterprises in the sense of a food product. It was discovered during the 16th century by Aztec Indians. It is
documented that the plant was given by Emperor Montezuma to the
Spanish Conquistadors in 1518 and brought to Europe.
As it was introduced to European royalty it started to make its
way into the kitchens of Europe and especially into the flavoring of the cocao otherwise known as choclate.
It was the French who started to cultivate this bean in a major way in
the Indian Ocean area, especially, Madagascar.
The Vanilla orchid is a true epiphyte or air plant and lives in the
humid rain forests of central and south America, Mexico, Tahiti and Madagascar.
It enjoys the high
humidity of these areas and grows as a vine. The vines can reach a length of up to 30 feet.
This orchid plant takes 7 to 8 years to mature.
The fruit is in the pods of the irregular plant leaves which
grow in a zig-zag formation on tree trunks. It will eventually produce a flower
when it is mature as well as the seed pods. It is the seed pods that are taken
and used as vanilla. These are dried over a 6 month period. The flower is a
yellow-green color and resembles a Cattleya. There have been scientific advances using a tissue propagation to grow this orchid more easily and economically
to produce more seed pods or "valilla beans" for commercial use.
You can purchase Vanilla orchid plants to grow yourself. They do
require hot humid environment with temperatures in the 80 - 85 F. range during the
day and down to 60- 65 F.at night. You should also use a balanced fertilizer like
one with 20-20-20. The Vanilla orchid plant requires watering 2 - 3 times a week
but there is a balance to keep the root from getting too water logged and
damaged by root rot.
