Vanilla Nut was the first Teeccino flavor I ever created. I wanted to feature vanilla beans from Mexico where I was working to preserve rainforests.

Vanilla, the only orchid used in food, has become a favorite the world over due to its unparalleled fragrance and complex, heady flavor. Vanilla is indigenous to Central America where it was discovered by the native people centuries before the Spanish arrived. The Aztec Emperor, Montezuma, was said to be drinking an elixir for longevity made from cacao, vanilla and honey when the conquistadors were ushered in for an audience.

Now this may seem like trivia, but do you know that each vanilla bean has to be handled hundreds of times during its 6 month curing process? Doesn't that bring home the wonder of nature and the cleverness of humans?

It is no surprise to me that Vanilla Nut has always been our best selling Mediterranean flavor. Drink it knowing that you are helping indigenous communities find sustainable livelihoods that preserve rainforests.

• Ingredients

• Roasted organic carob, organic barley, organic chicory, dates, almonds, organic dates, natural vanilla extract, natural nut flavor, figs.