Vanilla

Vanilla is an orchid which was discovered in the 16th century in South America by the Spanish conquerors. It was brought in Europe in the 17th where it became very popular to flavour cakes recipes, hot chocolate or even tobaco. During the 18th century a lot of scientists studied the plant to be able to produce vanilla pods in  large quantities but very few plants gave the precious pods. Some scientists had then the idea to cultivate the orchid in a tropical climate close to its original environment. That is why in the early 19th century vanilla was introduced on the Bourbon Island (Réunion Island).

In 1841 a young slave, Edmond Albius, whose master thought botany invent a method which revolutionized vanilla pods production. Reunion became the first exporter in the world. The 1930s were the golden age for Bourbon vanilla. The production of vanilla pods developed in every islands of the Mascareignes archipelago and Madagascar. Today the porduction of vanilla is a traditional know-how.