HOW I BECAME THE VANILLA QUEEN AND
AM SAVING THE WORLD
Royalty in the United States has been frowned upon ever since the Revolution. Regardless, being Queen has its advantages, though not the ones equated with money and title.
When I was born, my parents hadn't decided on a first name for me; a middle name was more than they could muster. As a result, I was told that I could choose my own middle name when I was 18. Even at three years old this struck me as an odd bargain. A title seemed more appropriate than a middle name; I chose "Princess." This didn't change until, deep in the tropics of Mexico, I became the Vanilla Queen. First, some backstory.
In 2001, my assistant, Gina Tassone (aka, The Contessa), and I launched The Vanilla.COMpany online at www.vanilla.com. Our mission is to provide premium quality, pure vanilla products. Our rallying cry is "Out of the Cupboard and Onto the Table" giving vanilla its royal due.
Our vision is to educate people in industrialized countries about the issues facing farmers in developing countries, about why it matters to purchase wisely and, in the case of vanilla, the importance of purchasing only pure vanilla. Why?… Of all the vanilla used worldwide, whether in food, in cosmetics, in medicines and other industrial uses, less than two percent is pure. In other words, more than 98 percent of vanilla use worldwide comes from synthetic sources!
Although, on our journey with The Vanilla.COMpany, we've faced many challenges, we have remained true to our dream of educating consumers and assisting growers. As the Queen, I've had the privilege of lecturing at The Smithsonian Institution, The San Francisco Academy of Sciences, The Autonomous University of Mexico, The Commonwealth Club, and many other venues, including culinary classes, which I deem equally important.
In 2005, I launched an online group, The International Tropical Farmers Network. Farmers who had access to a computer and the Internet and who spoke enough English to participate were invited to join. We also had scientists, social scientists and other participants who were able to provide information and assistance to the farmers. For many of our members, this was an audacious grass-roots opportunity. As a farmer from the Comoro Islands said, "I never would have imagined that I could be in touch with someone from Tahiti!"
During the vanilla crisis in the early part of this century, I was able to assist farmers in Papua New Guinea and India in selling their vanilla to the big traders. This allowed villages to get a truck or generators or other desperately needed supplies to help their communities.
We held a conference in Mexico in 2006 for vanilla growers. Although vanilla is a food of the Americans and was first domesticated in Southern Mexico, the indigenous growers could never afford to attend conferences on vanilla. I insisted that the conference be free to everyone and that there be food provided for all attendees. I also insisted that the conference be simulcast in Totonaco (the language of the indigenous Totonacs who are credited as the first to domesticate vanilla), as some farmers from the mountains don't speak Spanish.
The Mexican government reluctantly gave us some funds for the conference. Imagine their surprise when the gates opened on the first day of the conference and over 2500 people had shown up!
We helped to rebuild a rural school in Mexico after two hurricanes in five weeks severely damaged the school. We have also assisted farmers further their education, and we are currently raising funds to get Theresia Ndirangu to Brookes College, Oxford for a Masters in Applied Human Nutrition. About Theresia
In order to continue our work assisting growers in the developing world, we need your help. First, please spend time on our site. We have many pages dedicated to vanilla.
Read the truth about vanilla from Mexico and the Caribbean. Visit our Awareness section to learn more about the tropics and why they matter.
Love to read books? Visit our Book Reviews. Discouraged by the bad news worldwide? Read about some of the many individuals and organizations making a difference around the world. Yes We Can! Need some inspiration on how to use vanilla and other tropical ingredients in unique and exciting ways? Visit our Recipes section and be inspired!
On to our products! You can purchase wholesale directly from us. If you prefer to purchase in smaller amounts, we have two e-tailers – Gourmet Country and Vanilla Enchantment.
Given that royalty in the US is not underwritten by American tax payers, we need your help! When your purchase our ethically traded products, you help us to continue the work we do as a socially conscious business.
When you donate five dollars to the fund for Theresia, you are qualified as a social entrepreneur. Education is key for changing the world!
And if you wish to choose a royal moniker, make sure you honor others. Each of us has the ability to make a difference. As culinary professionals, we need to speak up for greater food stability and sustainability. As Americans, we have had opportunities that people in the developing world can't even imagine. Please join me, as we can be the change we wish to see!
As I am known by farmers, worldwide, as their Queen, I have chosen to use my title as a steward for the earth as well as acting as a guide and inspiration for those seeking more information about vanilla. Please join me in this important task.
With gratitude and appreciation of what you do!
Patricia Rain, Vanilla Queen
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