In English
Vanilla is the cured pod of a tropical orchid, Vanilla planifolia; once an established crop in Puerto Rico, it is being grown again around Castañer, Lares.
Sweet, warm and deeply aromatic; good beans are plump, flexible and oily.
Split the bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds and add them to custards, cakes or rice pudding; use the spent pod to infuse milk or sugar. Store airtight in a cool, dark place.