Madagascar Archives

Vanilla sex-Hand pollination in Madagascar

by Dan Riegler | Dec 2, 2016 | Apothecary, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Natural Perfume

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Madagascar and its Vanilla capital Sambava, was witnessing the hand pollination of (Vanilla planifolia-Bourbon Vanilla flowers. Originally from Mexico and central America, their natural pollinator, a species of Melipona bee,...

An East African Aromatic Adventure

by Dan Riegler | Oct 30, 2016 | Apothecary, Distillation, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Natural Perfume, Resins & Saps

With only a day left in Africa, I feel I need to offer a brief overview of my latest aromatic trip just to keep everyone abreast. Once back in Canada I will write in detail about this last trip to Madagascar and Kenya. So much has happened during these past three...

Lollygagging with Lemurs

by Dan Riegler | Oct 6, 2016 | Apothecary, Distillation, Essential Oils, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Frankincense, Resins & Saps, Wildcrafting

Well, I have my tickets to Madagascar. Now I deal with the anxiety of Oh My God what have I done, what am I forgetting to pack, and make sure you buy new underwear in case the plane goes down in a ball of flame. A huge, warm thank you to everyone who contributed to...

Chocolate dreams, Vanilla beans, Cinnamon, Cloves and Lemurs-Madagascar 2016

by Dan Riegler | Sep 12, 2016 | Apothecary, Ethics & Sustainability, Fair Trade, Natural Perfume, Resins & Saps, Wildcrafting

I have been offered the opportunity to spend two weeks working in Madagascar this October. Short notice and an unexpected expense, but full of potential. I will stay with Vanilla farmers, distil an unusual Elemi, and look at creating value-added products and...