Vaniglia

A species of tropical orchid originating in the forests of South America and introduced into Spain in the 16th century; the Spaniards had noticed its immature pods being used by the Aztecs to flavour a chocolate beverage. It then entered into many forms of Catalan pastisseria where milk was employed. Boiled in milk, it communicates its special flavour, is then removed, dried, and can be used again and again. A pod, placed in ajar of sugar and tightly closed, will flavour it.