Historical Overview of Vanilla pompona, with an Emphasis on Central American Usage

Abstract

The historical use of Vanilla pompona in Central America, as separate from Vanilla planifolia, has not previously been addressed in one document.  This, in conjunction with globalization and the US FDA’s recognition of only two species of vanilla (V. planifolia and V. tahitensis) as flavorings, has limited the public’s experience of vanilla flavor diversity and led to V. planifolia becoming synonymous with “vanilla”.  Using literature review supplemented by personal interviews, the use of V. pompona in Central America is traced through several centuries up until the present. It is the purpose of this paper to serve as a literary starting point to revive regional interest in V. pompona.