Vanilla sex-Hand pollination in Madagascar

by Dan Riegler on December 2, 2016December 2, 2016

The act is completed with a kiss of fingers as the flower is pressed firmly to ensure full contact and fertilization. Flowers must be pollinated within 12 hours of opening so there is an underlying sense of urgency to the act.

An East African Aromatic Adventure

by Dan Riegler on October 30, 2016October 30, 2016

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 weeks and so many things […]

Lollygagging with Lemurs

by Dan Riegler on October 6, 2016October 6, 2016

Besides exploring the rich array of aromatics in Madagascar, meeting farmers, harvesters and exporters, my host and I hope to build a small distillation unit with the goal of training local artisans to produce high quality essential oils and direct more of our Western dollars to their communities.

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

by Dan Riegler on September 12, 2016November 27, 2016

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, distill an unusual Elemi, and look at creating value added products and direct sales that will benefit harvesters, farmers, and their communities. If I can get myself there.