Vanilla

Vanilla planifolia

Vanilla

Vanilla is sourced from a Mexican species of orchid, Vanilla planifolia. Each orchid must be hand-pollinated, a labor-intensive task. As such, Vanilla is the second most expensive spice by weight, after Saffron. Vanilla has historically been considered an aromatic stimulant that provides support for the nervous system.* It also was used traditionally as an aphrodisiac, but today Vanilla is primarily used for its aroma and flavor.*