Vanilla orchids only bloom one day a year. One. Day. Farmers must hand-pollinate them because the natural pollinator (a specific bee) almost went extinct.
That bee is a jerk. It only lives in Mexico. So every vanilla bean outside Mexico is artificially pollinated by humans with toothpicks. Romance is alive.
Madagascar produces 80% of the world’s vanilla. Their beans are smoky and fruity. Tahitian vanilla is floral and delicate. Mexican is spicy and woody. It’s a global flavor road trip.
Vanilla extract was used as a medicine in the 1600s. People rubbed it on their skin for sunburn. It didn’t work, but they smelled fantastic.
Also: vanilla is a mood enhancer. Studies show its scent can reduce anxiety. So baking is literally therapy. You’re welcome.
