Vanilla Blossoms at Sunrise, Only to Die in the Evening

It arouses memories of childhood in us. It adds a touch of magic to desserts such as ice cream, cakes and crèmes. It dampens the flavour of other spices, tempers bitterness and adds charm to cocktails. It can be found in perfumes and candle and tobacco fragrances. How did it end up on our tables? Why are its flowers pollinated by hand? What is vanillism? How much do you know about vanilla, one of the noblest and most expensive spices in the world?