Vanilla
Plant parts used
immature and ripe capsule fruit of orchid plant
plant family
Vanilla planifolia (ginger family)
smell and taste
The smell conveys security, safety and feelings of happiness, since the effect of the natural vanillin from vanilla is about 99.8% identical to that of a pheromone that pregnant women carry. When smelling the vanilla, the very first primordial information is called up in women, men and children, which triggers the feeling of security in the womb. It is not for nothing that vanilla is called the queen of spices because of its psychoactive effect.
origin
The vanilla plant originally comes from central Mexico. It was only through the Conquistadores under Hernan Cortes that the black flower became known and brought to Europe.
The Aztecs have long used vanilla as an ingredient in the holy drink of the gods "Tlilxochill", which means "black pod". The conqueror of Mexico was invited by Emperor Montezuma to drink Kakawa flavored with vanilla, allspice, chilli and honey in golden cups.
In 1519 vanilla was imported to Spain and from 1604 to France, where the spice was used to make coffee, chocolate and perfume. However, it was not - as is well known - the French who understood the first successes with the pollination of the flowers, but the Dutch who made energetic progress on Java in 1807. However, the French show a clear tactical advance in 1841. The twelve-year-old slave boy Edmond Albius, whose father is unknown, discovered 3 years after the Dutch how to pollinate the vanilla plant easily: with a thin stick or a blade of grass the rostellum, the flap between the male and female stigma, is lifted and the sticky pollen from the anther is rubbed over the stigma with the thumb.
2022 is probably the most exciting year in the history of vanilla, because the Dutch have caught up. After 500 years, the Dutch company Koppert Cress BV has managed to cultivate vanilla on a large scale in Europe for the first time. With the highest sustainability requirements and a lot of commitment, not only the cultivation, the harvest and thus the first European vanilla were successful. It was also possible to cultivate the first so-called RED VANILLA. This vanilla is subject to the natural ripening process and ferments directly on the plant. The ends are dipped in beeswax so that the pods or capsules, as they are actually called, do not burst open.
Quality control of the current harvest in Tamatave Madagascar
useful information
immature and ripe capsule fruit of orchid plant
Did you know that in ancient times vanilla was considered an aphrodisiac? Its intense scent was believed to stimulate the senses and enhance the romantic mood.
One of the most bizarre stories to do with vanilla is about a French botanist named Edmond Albius. In the 19th century, he discovered an efficient method of pollinating vanilla flowers. The trick was to open the flowers with a blade of grass and manually transfer the pollen. This method allowed vanilla to be grown outside of its original homeland in Mexico and was instrumental in spreading the spice.
Another quirky fact is that vanilla is often synthetically produced in the food industry. Synthetic vanilla, also known as vanillin, is made from various chemical compounds and can mimic the natural flavor of real vanilla. Although less expensive, it is often considered inferior by foodies because it does not offer the complexity and depth of natural vanilla flavor.
Another curious phenomenon related to vanilla is the vanilla price hysteria. Due to the limited availability and difficulties with the vanilla harvest, there have always been extreme price fluctuations in the past. In some cases, vanilla was more valuable than silver and was even called a kind of "green gold". This led to some unusual stories of theft and smuggling related to the coveted spice.
Vanilla undoubtedly has a rich history and fascinating legacy. From its use as an aphrodisiac to whimsical pollination methods to synthetic alternatives and extreme price fluctuations, this spice has some whimsical and interesting aspects that further underscore its popularity and unique reputation.
Visiting Madagascar - Vanilla planifolia
plant family
Vanilla planifolia (ginger family)
smell and taste
The smell conveys security, security and feelings of happiness, since the effect of the natural vanillin from vanilla is about 99.8% identical to that of a pheromone that the pregnant woman carries. When smelling the vanilla, the very first primal information is called up in women, men and children, which triggers the feeling of security in the womb. It is not for nothing that vanilla is called the queen of spices because of its psychoactive effect.
Vanilla by BIOFIRST Sopral Madagascar
Origin
The vanilla plant originally comes from central Mexico. Only through the conquistadores under Hernan Cortes the black flower is known and brought to Europe.
The Aztecs have long used vanilla as an ingredient in the holy drink of the gods, "Tlilxochill", which means "black pod". The conqueror of Mexico was invited by Emperor Montezuma to drink Kakawa flavored with vanilla, allspice, chilli and honey in golden cups.
In 1519 vanilla was imported to Spain and from 1604 to France, where the spice was used to make coffee, chocolate and perfume. However, it was not - as is well known - the French who understood the first successes with the pollination of the flowers, but the Dutch who made energetic progress on Java in 1807. However, the French show a clear tactical advance in 1841. The twelve-year-old slave boy Edmond Albius, whose father is unknown, discovered 3 years after the Dutch how to pollinate the vanilla plant easily: with a thin stick or a blade of grass the rostellum, the flap between the male and female stigma, is lifted and the sticky pollen from the anther is rubbed over the stigma with the thumb.
2022 is probably the most exciting year in the history of vanilla, because the Dutch have caught up. After 500 years, the Dutch company Koppert Cress BV has managed to develop vanilla on a large scale in Europe for the first time. With the highest sustainability requirements and a lot of commitment, not only the cultivation, the harvest and thus the first European vanilla were successful. It was also possible to cultivate the first so-called RED VANILLA. This vanilla is subject to the natural ripening process and is fully ripened directly on the plant and ferments independently. Initially, the ends were dipped in beeswax to prevent the pods, or capsules as they are actually called, from bursting open. This isn't necessary, however, as ripe fruit bursts, optimizing shelf life and the incredible flavor overall.
Pleasure message fromHotel Schloss Lieser Autograph Collection by Mariott/ Kaiser Suite
European vanilla
In recent years, the Dutch company Koppert Cress has driven a remarkable development in European vanilla production. In response to the increasing demand for regional and sustainable food, they have managed to successfully grow vanilla in the Netherlands.
Koppert Cress, an innovative company specializing in the cultivation of micro-vegetables, edible flowers and herbs, has now also dedicated itself to vanilla production. Through their expertise in plant breeding and commitment to environmentally sustainable practices, they have been able to successfully grow the vanilla orchid in a controlled environment.
Growing vanilla in the Netherlands comes with a number of benefits. For one, it allows for a shorter supply chain, thereby reducing the carbon footprint normally associated with importing vanilla from distant lands. On the other hand, growing vanilla locally can ensure greater transparency and traceability, which is important for consumers who value origin and quality.
Another notable aspect of Dutch vanilla cultivation is the use of innovative technology and cultivation methods. For example, Koppert Cress relies on vertical farming systems and the use of LED light to control plant growth. These advanced approaches allow for optimal use of available space and year-round production of vanilla.
Koppert Cress efforts have resulted in increasing recognition and demand for their Dutch vanilla. Top chefs and restaurateurs value the quality and unique aroma of this regional vanilla. It is also worth noting that Koppert Cress works closely with local farmers and communities to promote vanilla cultivation and share valuable knowledge and skills.
Dutch vanilla cultivation by Koppert Cress is an inspiring example of innovation and sustainability in the food industry. Through their efforts, they have shown that vanilla can not only thrive in tropical regions, but can also be grown successfully in Europe. This regional answer to the vanilla theme offers new opportunities for European producers and consumers who value high-quality, locally grown and sustainable vanilla.
Xocolatl
Vanilla plays an important role as an ingredient in Xocolatl, a traditional Mesoamerican drinking chocolate. Produced by the Aztecs and Maya, Xocolatl was an integral part of their culture and trade.
The Aztecs called vanilla "tlilxochitl", which means "black flower". They recognized the value and flavor of vanilla and used it as a flavor enhancer for their chocolate drink creations. The combination of chocolate and vanilla gave the Xocolatl a special taste dimension and made it a valuable luxury food.
The preparation of the Xocolatl was complex and required a lot of skill. The cocoa beans are roasted and ground to create a thick chocolate paste. This paste was then mixed with water, spices like vanilla, chili and other ingredients and foamed. The result was an intensely chocolaty and aromatic drinking pleasure.
The addition of vanilla not only gave the xocolatl a pleasant aroma, but also had a symbolic meaning. Vanilla was revered as a sacred plant and associated with love, beauty and fertility. Therefore, drinking xocolatl with vanilla was considered a spiritual and ritual act.
Today, xocolatl has evolved and become a variety of chocolate desserts and drinks. Vanilla continues to be a popular ingredient in many of these creations, lending them a touch of exoticism and sophistication.
The connection between vanilla and xocolatl shows how this fascinating spice has left its mark on different cultures and culinary traditions. From ancient Mesoamericans to today's chocolate lovers, vanilla has had a firm place in the world of sweet treats.