Vanilla

Vanilla, common and scientific name for a genus of climbing orchids, native to tropical America and Asia, and for the substance extracted from the pods that is used as a flavouring. The flowers are thick, fleshy, and fragrant but dull green in colour. The fruit of the species from which the majority of commercial vanilla is extracted (mainly in Madagascar and Tahiti) occurs as fleshy pods, about 15 to 23 cm (6 to 9 in) long. The pods must be allowed to dry out and ferment to produce the characteristic smell.

Scientific classification: The genus Vanilla belongs to the family Orchidaceae. The species from which most commercial vanilla is extracted is classified as Vanilla planifolia.