Your Vanilla, Our Expertise

Discover the different varieties of vanilla, their unique aromas, and their uses.

The Story of a Plant

Native to Mexico, the vanilla orchid fascinated the Aztecs, who incorporated it into their cocoa-based drinks.
However, for centuries, growers were unable to cultivate it outside its natural habitat, as pollination relied solely on specific local bee species.
Thus, vanilla cultivation remained limited until alternative pollination methods were discovered.

A decisive turning point occurred in 1841, when Edmond Albius, a young enslaved boy from the island of Réunion, discovered the manual pollination of the vanilla orchid. This major breakthrough enabled the plant to be cultivated in other tropical regions, notably Madagascar, which has since become the world’s leading vanilla producer.

The vanilla plant is a tropical climbing species belonging to the Orchid family. Ombrophilous by nature, it grows in the shade of trees, thriving in warm and humid environments that provide ideal conditions for its development.

Among more than 100 orchid species of the Vanilla genus, only three are cultivated and commercially produced on a large scale.

Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla Pompona
Vanilla tahitensis

The Bourbon Method: A Tradition of Excellence

“The Bourbon method is a traditional process that preserves the full aromatic richness of vanilla through several key steps:

Scalding

The Bourbon preparation involves several steps, the first of which is the scalding of the pods. They are immersed in water at a temperature between 60 and 80°C (140–176°F) for three minutes. This step halts the biological processes that naturally cause the pods to split and helps to standardize the batches.

Sweating

Sweating lasts approximately 48 hours. After scalding, the pods are quickly wrapped in large blankets and then placed in chests. This process retains the heat of the pods, causing them to ‘sweat.’ At the end of this second step, the pods begin to develop a dark, cocoa-like color.

Drying

The slow drying of the pods, alternating between sun and shade, reduces moisture, develops the aromas, and prevents mold. This process produces ‘Gourmet’ vanilla, in contrast to ‘Red’ vanilla, which is dried more quickly.

Maturation

The final preparation step involves placing the pods in large curing boxes lined with parchment paper. This stage lasts from 2 to 6 months, during which the most subtle aromas develop and refine. The boxes are regularly opened to inspect the quality of the pods.

Sorting

The pods are finally ready. Rich, glossy, flexible, and endowed with a smooth aroma, they are sorted by grade and size, then bundled into bunches of around fifty pods, secured with a piece of raffia.

Packaging

After grading, the pods are carefully packaged to preserve their freshness and aroma. Packed in a controlled environment, they are protected from climatic variations and rigorously inspected to ensure consistent quality. Elles peuvent ensuite nous être expédiées par bateau ou par avion.

The Various Vanilla Varieties

Planifolia

Pompona

Tahitensis

Planifolia

Discover Vanilla Vanilla planifolia, an exceptional variety with rich and intense aromas.
Its indulgent notes of dried fruits, rum, and raisins blend with a creamy flavor, enhancing every preparation.
Its high vanillin content gives it an enchanting fragrance and unmatched aromatic depth.
This premium vanilla adds an authentic and refined touch to your pastries, creams, ice creams, and other culinary creations.

Pompona

The vanilla Vanilla pompona is a rare variety that offers balsamic and woody aromatic notes.
Its unique sensory profile provides refined depth and exceptional olfactory intensity.
It elevates pastries, creams, and other culinary creations with unparalleled aromatic richness.
Lovers of authentic and sophisticated flavors particularly appreciate it.

Tahitensis

The vanilla tahitensis présente des arômes délicats et raffinés.
Its floral, almond, and fruity notes create a unique olfactory signature.
Cette variété sublime pâtisseries, crèmes et créations gastronomiques en apportant une touche exotique et élégante.
It appeals to lovers of sweet and complex flavors thanks to its exceptional aromatic profile.