The mountainous ridges of eastern Mexico merged with the hot and humid late summer veil. In Veracruz, King Tenitzi III’s daughter, a devastating beauty nicknamed Morning Star, ran through the plains. She crossed glances with a young antlered man – the Deer Prince. They exchanged but a few words, yet the magic of love was set in motion.
When King Tenitzi III learnt of the romance, he was blinded by rage. He sent his priests after them. The sky darkened. He decided that the souls of Morning Star and the Deer Prince would be sacrificed to appease the anger of the gods.
Tears of their blood gave rise to a small shrub. The branches intertwined like lovers in their last embrace. Star-shaped blossoms covered the whole tree. A few days later, many sprouts rose from the ground and the first black vanilla branches swayed in the wind, whispering the fragrance of the vanished lovers.
'Estrella de la Mañana' is a black vanilla pod, the core of which is cut and consumed on the fireplace. The smoky scent of wood and black cocoa powder harmonises with the softness of vanilla.
