19/08/2025
This Tuesday from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m., join Jim Hartnett on West Limerick 102 FM for another fascinating edition of Plant of the Week. This week, Jim will be diving into the world of Vanilla – one of the most beloved and intriguing plants in the Orchid family. Native to the northern part of South America, vanilla is not just a flavor we find in our kitchens, but a plant with a rich history, delicate growing process, and incredible cultural significance.
Listeners will learn about the different species of vanilla, including Vanilla planifolia – the most widely cultivated variety – as well as the unique Vanilla tahitensis, Vanilla pompona, and Vanilla mexicana, each with their own special aroma and flavor profiles. Jim will also reveal the fascinating process of hand pollination, an art form requiring patience and precision to bring out the pods that give vanilla its treasured scent. Don’t miss this flavorful journey into the heart of one of the world’s most popular plants, only on West Limerick 102 FM.