Vanilla, despite its seeming simplicity, is one of the world’s most important spices and has recently been the subject of much discussion thanks to the possibility of a global shortage. Brace yourself – that tub of artisanal ice cream is about to cost you a whole lot more.

What is vanilla and why is it so expensive?

Vanilla – which comes from the ripe fruit of the vanilla orchid – is currently the world’s second most expensive spice, taking the top spot from only saffron. The pods (or beans) are produced by yellow and orange flowers that bloom in a two-month period and die within a day.

The vanilla flower. Photo: Wikipedia.

The process of growing and harvesting vanilla is exceptionally labour intensive, and can mostly only be done by hand. As the flower only lasts for one day, the crops need to be inspected daily. Once handpicked, the pods have no discernible taste or aroma, and so need to be cured before they can be used. This is done by plunging the pods into boiling water and leaving them in the sun for about three months until they resemble the shriveled pods we end up buying.

Ok, so what’s the reason for this latest increase?

What would a classic crème brûlée be without vanilla pods? Photo: iStock.

Madagascar is the world’s biggest exporter of vanilla – the trade is worth nearly $600 million to the country. We first started hearing whispers of a shortage a couple of months ago, after the full extent of Cyclone Enawo in the north-eastern region of Madagascar’s Sava had been assessed. 30% of the country’s vanilla crops were wiped out, causing the price of vanilla skyrocket to an estimated $500 per kilo, compared to its previous price point of $20 per kilo. For the average consumer, that brings the price to around R50 for two pods.

That’s not all, folks.

But it’s not only the environment affecting the process. Stories have made their way into the news that sound more like they’re related to drug smuggling than a seemingly innocent spice. There are reports of black market vanilla being sold from the backs of vans and ‘vanilla kingpins’ ruling the trade with an iron fist. There isn’t much good news on the environment side, either: with the continued rise in global temperature, it’s expected that tropical weather will only continue, leading to more devastating storms.

We can think of about a dozen reasons we love vanilla… Photo: Thinkstock.

Unfortunately, demand for vanilla hasn’t waned. Gone are the days of synthetic vanilla ice creams and desserts – now we want to see those tell-tale black flecks that all but assure a delicious product. (Except on the days when we have to admit we all secretly love vanilla essence – which may just have to become more often.)

Have your say in the poll below. Is vanilla worth all the fuss or should we find a new favourite ice-cream flavour?