Demystifying the Exquisite Flavors of Different Vanillas: Bourbon from Madagascar, Tahiti, Réunion, and Mexico

Vanilla—the word alone instantly brings back the sweet memory of ice cream on a hot summer day or the enchanting aroma of freshly baked pastries coming out of the oven. But have you ever taken the time to explore the subtle differences between various types of vanilla beans? Today, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, Tahiti, Réunion, and Mexico to uncover their unique flavors and aromas.

Visit vanillia.com to discover our selection of vanillas.

Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla: The Queen of Vanillas

Let’s begin our adventure with Madagascar vanilla, often nicknamed the “Queen of Vanillas.” This variety is world-renowned for its rich, creamy aromas and subtle notes of chocolate, honey, and caramel. Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar is an explosion of flavor and is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, whether in desserts, drinks, or even savory dishes.

Bourbon vanilla is primarily grown on the island of Madagascar, where the tropical climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for cultivating this precious spice. The pods are carefully hand-picked, sun-dried, and then aged for months to develop an intense aromatic bouquet.

Try our product: 15 Organic Bourbon Vanilla Beans • Grand Cru • Madagascar Vanilla

Tahitian Vanilla: Fragrance in Anatole

Now let’s talk about Tahitian vanilla, which many consider the ultimate sensory experience. It’s known for its floral and fruity aroma, with hints of red berries and tropical flowers, plus a touch of anise. Unlike Madagascar vanilla, Tahitian vanilla is plumper, which enhances its fragrance and gives it a "premium" feel. The aromas of these two vanillas are truly distinct!

The mild, humid climate of Tahiti allows for the production of an exceptional vanilla bean that leaves no one indifferent. It’s also a precious vanilla, grown in small quantities, which makes it even more unique—and unfortunately, more expensive, about five times pricier than Madagascar vanilla. This price difference is mainly due to higher labor costs in French Polynesia.

Réunion Vanilla: A Unique Flavor

Next, let’s discover vanilla from Réunion, an island with a rich history of vanilla cultivation. Known for its milder aromas, Réunion vanilla is valued for its pure and pronounced vanilla notes thanks to its volcanic terroir. It’s often used in confections and pastries to enhance the sweetness of desserts.

The vanilla beans from Réunion, like those from Madagascar, are meticulously cultivated and processed to ensure the highest quality in every harvest. This vanilla offers a true taste experience, often described as delicate and harmonious.

Just like Tahitian vanilla, Réunion vanilla is more expensive—about three times more. Once again, it’s the production costs that explain this higher price.

Mexican Vanilla: Back to the Roots

Finally, we arrive in Mexico, the original birthplace of vanilla. Mexican vanilla is known for its uniquely spicy flavor that recalls notes of cinnamon and clove. The Aztecs once used it to flavor their cacao-based drinks, making it one of the oldest cultivated vanillas.

Mexican vanilla isn’t as well-known as those mentioned above, but it has a rich history and offers a depth of flavor often sought after by chefs and vanilla enthusiasts worldwide. It’s ideally used in sauces, traditional Mexican dishes, and of course, desserts. It’s not very common in Europe.

Find Your Perfect Vanilla

Each type of vanilla has its own characteristics and depends largely on its terroir and processing method. Whether you prefer the creamy notes of Madagascar vanilla, the floral and aniseed aromas of Tahitian vanilla, or the sweetness of vanilla from Réunion and Mexico, there’s a vanilla to satisfy your palate.

We hope this overview helps you explore and appreciate the richness of flavors each variety of vanilla has to offer.

And what about Vanillia?

As for us, we specialize in vanilla with the best quality-to-price ratio—Madagascar vanilla. In our workshop in Sambava, in the northeast of the island, we experiment to improve the quality of our vanilla. We focus especially on optimizing its preparation steps, particularly the curing process. We want the best vanilla Madagascar has to offer!

To learn more and discover our exclusive range of Madagascar vanillas, visit vanillia.com.