Vanilla comes from orchids of genus Vanilla, primarily grown from flat-leaved vanilla. Totonac people domesticated vanilla in Mexico around 1185. Aztecs introduced vanilla to Europe in 1427, mixing it with cocoa. Hernán Cortés brought vanilla and chocolate to Europe in 1520s
True nutmeg (M. fragrans) is native to Moluccas, Indonesia. Trees reach full production after 20 years, first harvest 7-9 years. Propagated through grafting, sexual propagation yields 50% male seedlings
Mugwort refers to several species of aromatic flowering plants in genus Artemisia. Common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is most common in Europe. Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi) used in traditional Chinese medicine
Native to Southern United States and northern Mexico. Tree grows 20-40m tall with 12-23m spread. Fruit is technically a drupe surrounded by husk. First known to Europeans in 16th century by Spanish explorers
Deciduous conifers reaching 20-45 meters in height. Native to northern hemisphere, found in forests and mountains. Named after ancient settlement Larignum, where it was discovered. Wood has salmon pink heartwood and yellowish white sapwood
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial herbaceous plant reaching up to 1m tall. Native to Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, requiring 20-30°C temperatures. Produces yellow-orange rhizomes used fresh or boiled for flavoring