NANCY PRIDE

Vanilla grows on an orchid vine. The blossoms have to be pollinated within 24 hours for a bean to form, so almost all commercial vanilla beans are hand pollinated. Although vanilla originated in Mexico, those considered "the best" come from Madagascar, an island off the east coast of Africa. Madagascar beans are steam "dried," helping to retain moisture in the bean. Most Mexican vanilla is sun dried.

Also known as: Perpetual Vanilla

Primary location: Bryan United States