Vanilla is a native of Mexico and was introduced to India as early as 1835. On a expedition of exchange, vanilla was brought to India by the British East India Company and the Portuguese.

In India, vanilla is a very familiar horticulture crop in Karnataka. The crop has been widely grown in Uttara Kannada district since 1970.

Vanilla is an orchid which grows as a vine - it is the only fruit-bearing member of the orchid family

The characteristic flavor of vanilla comes from the aromatic compound “vanillin” which is described as tasting like a marshmallow.