Vanilla vs vanilla bean8/7/2023 ![]() They look noticeably bigger and thicker than the Madagascar beans. I also think experiencing vanilla beans from other lesser known locales is interesting. I think the vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea look really cool. However, alcohol used in extracting the vanilla extract but in commercial applications it is most commonly grain alcohol which is topic for another blog post, but coincidently there is a deep almost rum like flavor in these whole vanilla beans. Feel confident (or disappointed) in knowing that there is no bourbon involved. While you will commonly see Madagascar Bourbon. Bourbon is the former name of one of the islands where the vanilla is grown in Madagascar. I think it is interesting to note that Madagascar Bourbon-has no actual bourbon in it. These vanilla beans have your classic vanilla flavor. The vanilla bean pods we sell from Madagascar are of the plant species-Planifolia. After harvesting, they then have to go through an extensive curing process which is when the vanilla pods develop the distinctive deep almost black color. Each bean is ready to be harvested at a different time, the farmers need to check the beans to see if they are ready and harvest them every day. Can you believe that? So plantation farmers need to check on the vines daily. ![]() The vanilla orchid flowers only last one day and need to be hand-pollinated during that time. Did you know that vanilla is grown on green vines and they look like green beans? These vines take three to four years to grow before they develop flowers. I think it is fascinating that they are actually two different varieties of vanilla beans. ![]() Right now at the Vanilla Bean Project, we offer two origins-Madagascar and Papua New Guinea. One of the reasons why vanilla is the second most expensive spice to produce after saffron. This is back-breaking and labor-intensive work. However, in Madagascar, there are no natural pollinators so every single vanilla pod is pollinated by hand. Mexico is the birthplace of vanilla and it originated there and a few hundred years ago, some enterprising folks brought vanilla beans to Madagascar from Mexico. Did you know 80 percent of the world’s vanilla is produced in Madagascar? Why this island off the west coast of Africa? It has the perfect temperature and climate for growing vanilla.īut there are other emerging markets around the world such as Indonesia and Uganda and interestingly enough all vanilla originally came from Mexico. ![]() If you are looking to try whole vanilla beans, there is a world of options to choose from. ![]()
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