Raw Vanilla with David van der Walde

There's nothing bland about the vanilla industry, argues a Montrealer who has been one of the most important industrial importers of the orchid since the early 1990s. David van der Walde, Director of Aust & Hachmann Canada, joins Lesley & David for a deep dive on one of the planet's most ubiquitous ingredients, a product as essential for industrial flavour companies as the world's top pâtissiers; how vanilla is farmed, challenges in its distribution, and why its cost has been so historically volatile. He also explains how companies like Häagen-Dazs are able to elevate their products through specialized vanilla sourcing, and if he feels Madagascar's farmers are getting a raw deal. Follow David & Lesley on Instagram.  Salt Lick is a TNKR Media Original Production.