Vanilla beans come from the vanilla orchid, specifically from the species Vanilla planifolia. This climbing plant is native to tropical regions, particularly Mexico, and is cultivated in various countries with suitable climates. The beans are the fruit of the orchid, and their characteristic flavor comes from the compound vanillin, which develops during the curing process after harvesting. The labor-intensive process of cultivating and harvesting vanilla makes it one of the most expensive spices in the world. Overall, the vanilla orchid's beans are highly prized in culinary uses, especially in desserts and flavoring.