News Archaeology

A Bronze Age tomb in Israel reveals the earliest known use of vanilla

Jugs that date to about 3,600 years ago hold traces of the aromatic substance

vanilla beans

VANILLA SCOOP Although long considered a product that originated in ancient Mexico, vanilla — which is extracted from beans such as these — was used by Middle Easterners around 3,600 years ago, a new study finds.

Jonnysek/istock.com

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

DENVER — Three jugs placed as offerings in a roughly 3,600-year-old tomb in Israel have revealed a sweet surprise — evidence of the oldest known use of vanilla.