FRENCH VANILLA

How did the French come to be so closely linked to a plant that was actually native to Mexico? The history behind this is extensive and intricate. Long ago, in the mists of time. The Totonaco, a tribe of Mexico who were captured by the Aztecs, were the first to discover the bean, which is the fruit of an orchid. The Aztecs were the first to discover vanilla, but unfortunately, they were subjugated by the Spanish, who took the beans back to their homeland. Sadly, the Melipone bee, the only bee capable of pollinating vanilla orchids, was forgotten by Cortez and his colonists, who were otherwise able to solve the mystery of vanilla.

From then on up until 1819, Mexico dominated the global market as a provider. The next year saw the first commercial shipment of vanilla beans to the French colonies of Réunion and Mauritius. And as luck would have it, a little boy named Edmond Albius (then 12 years old) found a miraculous method of pollinating the orchids by just flicking his thumb and a blade of grass. Voilà! French Vanilla was born. In under 80 years, the colonies had already overtaken Mexico’s production, and Brazil was supplying 80% of the world’s need. To put it simply, we’re relieved that Master Albius, even at his tender age, found out what he done. We owe it to him that we have the opportunity to provide you with this Pu-erh and French vanilla coffee mix, a truly miraculous creation. This brew combines the earthiness of Pu-erh with the nuttiness of coffee, the exotic vanilla, and the sweet chocolatey depths of a scrumptious chai. Magnifique!