Vanilla’s Journey: From Bloom to Bean

Vanilla is everywhere — in ice cream, chocolate, perfume, and even our everyday language — yet few people know the extraordinary story behind this rare and complex spice.

In this talk, we’ll travel through time, science, and culture to uncover vanilla’s secrets:

• The history and origins of vanilla — from its sacred role in Aztec cacao to its global spread through colonial trade.
• Why vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron, and what makes it so labour-intensive to grow and cure.
• The many faces of vanilla — from Madagascar’s deep, creamy beans to Uganda’s bold, smoky notes, to the delicate florals of Tahiti and the rich heritage of Mexico and Bali.
• Uganda’s unique story — the only country with two harvests per year, allowing for consistent quality and supply.
• Vanilla in culture and language — why something so luxurious became shorthand for “plain,” and how it continues to inspire comfort, sensuality, and creativity across the world.

This won’t just be a talk — it will be a sensory journey. Attendees will be able to see and experience:

• Whole vanilla beans and extracts
• Natural vs. synthetic vanilla comparisons
• Vanilla-inspired perfume and diffusers
• Tastings of vanilla-infused tea and coffee

By the end, you’ll never think of vanilla as “plain” again. Instead, you’ll see it for what it truly is: a spice of dreams, a labour of love, and a cultural treasure.

We will explore questions such as.

• Why is vanilla the second most expensive spice after saffron?
• What makes Ugandan vanilla unique compared to Madagascar or Tahitian beans?
• How can you tell the difference between natural vanilla and synthetic vanillin?
• Why do we call something “plain vanilla” when the spice itself is so rare and complex?
• How does terroir — soil, climate, and curing — change the flavour of vanilla?

About the speaker

We'll be joined by Martha, founder of Vanilla Pod & Bean - a British, family-run brand based in the scenic countryside of West Oxfordshire. Founded by Martha Lindsay, who was born and raised in Uganda, and her daughter Ruth Lindsay. Vanilla Pod & Bean's mission is to bring you the finest vanilla products, crafted with care, integrity, and a deep respect for where it all begins. They’re passionate about empowering farming communities by giving back a portion of our proceeds to support local education, training, and better market access. Their vanilla extracts are handcrafted in small batches in the UK, using no artificial additives—just honest ingredients and a commitment to excellence.

Please arrive at 11:45 am. The talk will start at midday, and lunch will be served at 1:00 pm.

After the talk, you will get a freshly prepared, nutritious lunch from the FarmED Cafe where you will be able to network with other guests.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that there may be times where you need to cancel your booking.  Our cancellation policy is outlined here.

We like to take photos and occasionally videos of our events to use on our website and social media, please let us know if you do not want to be photographed.