Who doesn’t love the vanilla bean? From the orchid, Vanilla Planifolia, this is the only variety that bears edible fruit. Most of the world’s supply comes from Madagascar, but other large producers are Indonesia and China. Its complex floral aroma is used in the manufacture of perfume and aroma therapy and it is widely used in baking. Vanilla is one of the most expensive spices because the process to hand-pollinate, harvest, and dry the vanilla beans is time consuming and laborious. But quite worth it, don’t you think?