In 2009, while teaching English at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional on a Fulbright scholarship, I met Roberto, my Veracruz-born husband.

Veracruz is a state in Mexico located on the eastern coast by the Gulf of Mexico. The state is long, much like California, and has beautiful tropical weather year-round. As a result, Veracruz cultivates many agricultural products like citrus fruits, mangos, coffee, and vanilla.

I have been fortunate enough to visit Veracruz many times and travel throughout the state. One of the most magical places to visit is the Tajín Pyramid site located minutes from where Roberto was born. The civilization that built these amazing pyramids was the Totonacs, the same people that first cultivated vanilla. Vanilla is still grown in this area of Mexico. If you travel to Papantla today, not only can you find vanilla, but you will witness the ancient ceremony of the Voladores or Flyers. Our name is a tribute to these talented men and their spice that perfumes the world.

Roberto and I started Voladores Vanilla to share high-quality Mexican vanilla with you. We work directly with a cooperative of vanilla growers in Papantla, Veracruz to bring you these gorgeous vanilla beans. We are so proud to be able to offer you the very best vanilla from Mexico, and we love keeping the cultural history of this cherished ingredient alive.

~Nicole & Roberto Reyna