VANILLA, VALUABLE ORCHIDS
Vanilla, valuable orchids…
You may not believe that you eat orchids. In fact, you eat more regularly than you think. Vanilla, the queen of spices. It is actually a tropical orchid. Yes, technically, vanilla is a spice. In fact, it is a favourite spice world over. Vanilla is aromatic and has beautiful flavours. Thus, it is suitable to add to most dessert dishes. It is the most popular spice throughout the world. In fact, it is the most expensive spice after saffron worldwide. A single ‘A’ grade Australian-grown vanilla bean may cost you $10.00. Thus, it is a high-value crop.
There has been a growing demand for vanilla. It has been so since the production problems in Madagascar. Thus far, Madagascar produces almost 80 percent of the world’s natural vanilla. So far, most of the vanilla essence in the market today is industrially synthesised.
Fruit producing orchid
Vanilla plants are the only fruit-producing orchid in the world. Its botanic name is vanilla planifolia. Similar to its flowering varieties, vanilla plants require special growing conditions. In fact, it requires plenty of tender loving care to thrive. It is a Mexican native. Thus, it grows best in tropical climates. It needs regular fertilisation at the right times. Furthermore, it requires a host plant to support its growth. Thus far, the most important thing for a successful crop comes down within a matter of hours on a specific day. Otherwise, there is no harvest.
So, the vanilla flowers are only open for one day. It is for no more than 8 hours. Hence, pollination needs to happen during this specific time frame. If the pollination succeeds, the flower will dry up and remain attached to the vine. Otherwise, it will fall off within 24 hours.
Pollination process
Timings for pollination is crucial. It needs to pollinate for a successful harvest cycle. Thus far, in nature, it depends on a visit from a Melipona bee or long-beaked hummingbird. By chance, in the 19th century, a 12-year-old slave, Edmond Albius’ discovery enables the pollination process by hand. Albius’ technique, it involves carefully inserting a toothpick or similar instrument into the flower to pollinate. It allows pollen from the plant’s male anther to smear over its female stigma. A small flap separates the two. Once you master the process, it is a straightforward process.
Albius unfortunately did not see the riches of his discovery. However, the discovery was instrumental in revolutionising the cultivation of vanilla plants. Thus, it allowed them to be grown across the world. They did not have to rely on the Melipona which is a native to Mexico. Melipona bees are not available outside of Mexico.
Painstaking pollination
Thus far, in other parts of the world hand pollination methods are in use. So, you can see the painstaking process to pollinate by hand. In fact, pollination to harvest is a lengthy curing process. Hence, vanilla bean production is completed by hand at every stage. Thus, it is one of the most labor-intensive crops in the world.
From pollination, it takes some six to nine months, its green beans are ready. The vanilla beans are nearly odourless. So, the bean picking is done individually. Thus, a careful monitoring process is in place to bring its natural aromas to the fore. After harvest, the vanilla pods are blanched in boiling water. Then it is sweated for a few days before the drying process. So, the pods are dried for weeks to provide the dark, wrinkled, and strong-smelling beans that we know.
Curing process
The curing processes traditionally stretch from five to seven months. Thus far, with advancements and a better understanding of chemical make-up, it reduces the curing time a little. In some cases, it reduces the time to as little as three weeks.
So, the final result is vanilla beans rich in vanillin. It is vanilla’s primary flavour compound. Growers believe it is the flavour and this compound keeps driving up the price. It is difficult to replicate vanilla flavour synthetically. Hence, it makes the market for natural vanilla all the more in demand.
Supply and demand
As with anything in the market, vanilla bean prices are dependent on supply and demand. Thus, presently the market heavily favours vanilla bean cultivators. It appears the price of vanilla beans has increased more than double in the last few years. The demand for vanilla beans has been increasing across the world. So far, the market expects the price to rise further. The disaster in Madagascar, formerly one of the largest vanilla producers create the shortfall.
Health benefits
Vanilla beans have interesting health benefits. Its use dates back to ancient times. In fact, the Aztec people of Central America are known to have flavouring chocolate drinks with aromatic vanilla beans. It was their belief that vanilla beans have an aphrodisiac quality too.
Modern society sees natural vanilla for other reasons. Hence, some people tout them to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. There are claims that it treats acne and is an antioxidant. Thus, it helps reverse skin damage and aging. Vanilla has been known to be helpful to relieve nausea, anxiety, and irregular menstrual cycles. However, these claims seem to lack research evidence to support the claims.
Thus far, the biggest positive is that good quality vanilla beans can store for up to four years. It won’t lose much of its potency. Once the vanilla is scraped, pods may be stored in jars.
