Vanilla is a flavoring ingredient in our Javazen Balance blend.
Where is Vanilla from?
Vanilla is the only edible fruit of the orchid species. Vanilla is found in the inner parts of a vine which grow on a local host tree. The vine contains dark brown, narrow and cylindrical pods, otherwise known as beans, which house the small black seeds necessary for cultivating vanilla. First discovered to be growing in parts of Central America and Mexico, the Spanish imported vanilla to Europe for its monarchs. Today, vanilla is grown all over the world with the most production coming from Africa.
How does Vanilla grow?
Over the course of about three to four months of maturity, the pods undergo a protein shift that turns glycovanillin into vanillin. The process only requires a warm and dry environment for the pods to form a white crystal looking structure. This coating found on the beans is what we refer to as edible vanilla. This edible vanilla is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that protect the body from harmful toxins and free radicals
At Javazen, we source our vanilla from Madagascar.
Fun fact: Did you know that vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world due to its labor-intensive nurturing and cultivation?
