Vanilla

Vanilla is the fruit of a perennial, creeping species of orchid that was first found in Mexico and came to Europe around 1500. For over three centuries, vanilla cultivation has been unsuccessful anywhere in the world except Mexico. The reason is that pollination could only be performed by a specific, tiny species of bee that only existed in Mexico. From the 19th century, when artificial pollination was discovered, Mexico lost its monopoly and vanilla was cultivated in many areas. In the market, in addition to vanilla pods, we also find the chemical substitute, called vanillin. It is widely used in confectionery thanks to its special aroma.