Have you ever wondered about the origin of this vanilla flavour? Today we want to reveal the intriguing journey of vanilla cultivation, where every step is a balance between the grace of nature and human experience.
1. The most popular type of vanilla orchid is the scented vanilla (Vanilla planifolia). This plant produces the popular Bourbon vanilla, which is used, among other things, to make vanilla sugar. Only vanilla harvested on Madagascar's Bourbon Vanilla Islands - Comoros, Réunion, Seychelles, and Mauritius - can be called Bourbon Vanilla. The fragrant vanilla pods have an intense aroma and a sweet taste.
2. Hand pollination: Unlike many other plants, vanilla orchids have no natural pollinators. The key is human intervention. Skilled hands delicately pollinate each blossom, a painstaking process that requires precision and time to ensure successful fertilisation.
3. Patient cultivation: Once the flowers are pollinated, the vanilla pods begin to form. The pods continue to mature for several months. Patience is indeed a virtue in the world of vanilla cultivation.
4. Harvesting: When the pods reach their optimal size and color, they are carefully harvested by hand. This step demands a keen eye to ensure that only the highest quality pods are chosen.
5. Fermentation: The harvested vanilla pods undergo a fermentation process, during which enzymes are activated, contributing to the development of the characteristic vanilla flavor. This stage is crucial in determining the final taste profile.
6. Drying and Curing: Following fermentation, the vanilla pods are sun-dried and cured, a meticulous process that further refines their flavor, aroma, and appearance. This stage is where the magic truly happens, transforming the raw pods into the sought-after vanilla beans.
7. Grading and Packaging: Finally, the vanilla beans are graded based on quality and size before being packaged for distribution. This ensures that only the finest vanilla reaches the market.
From blooms to the curing process, each step in vanilla cultivation contributes to the creation of this beloved flavor. It's a testament to the synergy of nature and human skill, resulting in the exquisite vanilla that graces our kitchens and delights our senses.
