Welcome to the Voice of America's Newswords.
Beans from the vanilla plant produce one of the most valuable flavorings for food.
Vigilant.
Vanilla beans are worth about $530 a kilo.
The high price makes them a target for criminals.
Zhao Nacena is a vanilla farmer in Madagascar.
The vanilla thieves cut off the vanilla plants and the pods, so I've become more vigilant.
This year I bought a spear and a small pistol gun to protect myself and my farm.
To be vigilant is to look carefully for signs of danger.
A vigilant person pays close attention in order to avoid problems.
