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Vanilla

species ImagesVanilla is native to the tropical rainforests of south-eastern Mexico and Central America. Vanilla was introduced to India in the 18th century by the British in their cardamom plantations near Sringeri in Karnataka. It was an unknown crop until 1990, after which it slowly spread to various parts of South India. Vanilla is a tropical orchid crop requiring high humidity, shade and moderate temperature. About 60% of vanilla cultivation in India is in Karnataka, in the Western Ghat zone comprising Kodagu, Chikmagalore, Shimoga, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which have the typical tropical condition. It is grown as a mixed crop with coconut, areca nut and coffee, in the existing estates. Vanilla is usually grown by planting cuttings with 8 to 10 nodes.

species ImagesThe flowering of vanilla commences from the 3rd year of planting, during the months of January and February. They have to be hand-pollinated, and the fruits will mature by October-November. The aroma and flavour of vanilla develop only after its curing process. The various stages of curing include killing in boiling water, sweating by keeping the beans in blankets, drying the beans in sunlight, slow-drying by keeping the beans in wooden racks, and conditioning by keeping the dry beans in wooden boxes. After this process, the beans become black in colour. Later, it is graded as gourmet grade, which goes for direct use, and extraction grade, used for the extraction of oleoresin. Vanilla is used for its pleasant flavour, and is one of the most popular and the costliest spice in the international market.

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