The Legend of Vanilla
Mexico
This Aztec legend traces the origins of the fragile, pale vanilla orchid to the love story between a noblewoman and a peasant man. Xanath is betrothed to the Great God of Happiness by her own father. The God is angered by her love for a mere human being and curses her ...But did you know that for years only the humble mellipona bee could pollinate the vanilla flower and thus produce the intoxicating black seeds that perfume our food?