Vanilla specialist
Discover Madagascar Vanilla: Secrets and Singularities
Madagascar vanilla is renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and unmistakable aroma. But beyond its reputation as the “queen of spices,” there are many fascinating facts that few people know about it. Explore the secrets of this unique vanilla and discover why it is much more than just a culinary ingredient.
A rare and precious spice: manual pollination required
Did you know that vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world, after saffron? This high price is due to its complex cultivation, including the fact that each vanilla flower must be pollinated by hand. Although vanilla is native to Mexico, the bees that naturally pollinate it are not found in Madagascar. As a result, each flower, which only remains open for a single day, must be pollinated by hand by local farmers.
The fight for the preservation of quality
Malagasy vanilla requires extreme patience before reaching its full quality. It takes an average of 3 to 4 years before the plant produces its first pods, then the pods themselves require a maturation and drying process of several months. After harvest, they are immersed in hot water, fermented and dried in the sun for several weeks. This artisanal process guarantees pods full of aromas, but requires a lot of time and care.
The Vanilla Production Process
Scalding
The harvested pods are immersed in hot water for a few minutes. This process stops the ripening of the pod and begins the release of aromas.
Steaming
The pods are then wrapped in blankets and placed in boxes to "sweat". This fermentation stage allows the aromas to develop and gives the vanilla its characteristic brown color.
Drying
After steaming, the pods are laid out in the sun for several weeks to dry. They are placed on woven mats or wooden tables, turned regularly to ensure uniform drying.
Sorting and packaging
Once the pods are completely dry, they are sorted according to their size, color and quality. The top quality pods are selected for export. They are then packed in boxes or bundles.
Vanilla production is a complex process that can take 6 to 9 months after harvest for the pods to be ready for market.
The different qualities of vanilla and its derivative products
