Interesting Films about Raw Materials from Givaudan

Apropos to my post on ylang ylang, here is an interesting film that shows where ylang ylang is grown and how it is harvested, Ylang Ylang Comores. The video also briefly discusses the adulteration and quality degradation issues that have faced the ylang ylang industry.

As part of their ethical sourcing program, Givaudan has also done similar presentations on other raw materials.
Benzoin Laos
Vanilla Madagascar
Sandalwood Australia
Tonka Beans Venezuela.

Comments

[Martin]

Perfect! Can't wait to get there and see it all in person. Thanks, Victoria!

[hongkongmom]

Thanks Victoria
What a beautiful island, beautiful flower and women. That was a treat.

[Victoria]

Martin, have a great trip and please let us know about it. Hope that you find ylang ylang.

[Victoria]

Yes, I loved it too. A glimpse into another world on this cold winter day.

[skilletlicker]

I watched EVERY ONE! Absolutely fascinating. Especially benzoin which I found compelling b/c of my longstanding interest in SE Asia. Who knew the production of vanilla required so many steps including manual fertilization?!? (You probably did.) I felt that sandalwood in Australia and tonka bean in Venezuela, as subjects, were given short shrift when compared w/ more visually elaborate vanilla, ylang ylang, and benzoin storylines. But, even so, I know more now than I did last night. Thanks!!!

[Victoria]

I also wanted to see more about tonka beans. I have a bag of them on my desk right now, and I can smell the sugared almonds and hay through the plastic package. You know, a tiny bit of tonka bean tastes so good with anything chocolate or cherry flavored.

I visited a vanilla plantation in India a couple of years ago, and the work to even obtain the beans seemed incredibly painstaking. Plus, the curing process is not that straightforward either. No wonder, vanilla is so expensive.