Vanilla, The most popular flavor in the world, originated in Mexico. Brought to Europe about 1520 by the explorer Cortez, it was first used only in conjuction with cacao beans in a drink called Chocolati. Since 1602 it has been enjoyed as a flavor by itself. Grown mainly in Madagascar and Indonesia, as well as other minor areas, the vanilla bean, or pod, is the only edible fruit-bearing orchid. Each must be hand pollinated to produce a pod which requires a labor intensive 3-6 month curing process to develop full flavor. About 5 pounds of harvested pods produce only 1 pound of cured pods. 4oz. Gluten Free.