From port to pot: Seafarer ditches job to pursue vanilla farming in Sarangani

From port to pot: Seafarer ditches job to pursue vanilla farming in Sarangani
Rommel Rebollido Apr 4, 2023 https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/seafarer-ditches-job-pursue-vani...

Natural vanilla is a highly valuable ingredient, and it is considered the world's second most expensive spice after saffron

most expensive spice after saffron

GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – From seafarer to farmer, Melvin Awid left a good-paying job at sea to pursue his newfound passion for growing vanilla in his native Sarangani, with hopes of turning it into the country’s vanilla capital and helping the impoverished province.

Awid’s passion began in 2019 when he first visited the island of Madagascar, a major supplier of natural vanilla, and saw its similarities to his hometown of Maitum in Sarangani in the Soccsksargen region.

The cultivation of vanilla is still relatively new to the region, with only a few growing it for home use.

Vanilla is used in food, liquor, and beverages as well as flavoring in syrups for medication and fragrance in perfumes.