Vanilla

Abstract

Vanilla, a vine known since the time of the Aztecs, is a genus of about 110 species in the orchid family. Vanilla planifolia yields the popular, commercial flavouring agent vanillin. Vanilla is the world’s third most expensive spice, next to saffron and cardamom. V. Mill. is the only genus among orchids whose members produce a spice. The name originates from the Spanish word ‘vainilla’, the diminutive form of ‘vaina’ (meaning ‘sheath’), which is in turn derived from Latin ‘vagina’. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae, subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Vanilleae and subtribe Vanillinae (Weiss, 2002.)