Explore the Constellation
The Vanilla Orchid
Nature
2026
Vanilla is one of the world’s most expensive spices due to its complex pollination process.
The Vanilla planifolia orchid was originally domesticated by Indigenous people in what is now southeastern Mexico. It was likely used by the Aztecs for medicine, perfume, and cooking. After the Spanish colonized Mexico and Central America in the 1500s, they brought vanilla to Europe. It became popular in England and France, where it was added to foods, perfumes, and tobacco.
About 80% of the world’s natural vanilla is produced on the island of Madagascar, a former French colony near Africa’s southeastern coast. Madagascan vanilla is often harvested by children working long hours. Though authorities in Madagascar have made progress in eliminating child labor in vanilla production, the practice persists.
