The culture of vanilla in Madagascar: A journey to the heart of the plantations

Welcome to the Vanillia blog! Today, we’re going to discover how Madagascar’s vanilla grows. Get ready for a fascinating journey through the plantations of this exotic island, where Bourbon vanilla—one of the world’s most prized varieties—comes to life. Put on your boots and straw hat, and let’s go!

It all starts with planting the vanilla orchid, scientifically known as Vanilla planifolia. This climbing plant, native to Mexico, has found the perfect terroir in Madagascar thanks to its hot, humid tropical climate. Young vanilla plants are carefully selected and planted in shaded plots, as the orchid prefers filtered light to thrive.

Vanilla is a vine that can reach several meters in length. To help it climb, growers use supports, often trees or wooden stakes. These supports allow the plant to grow vertically and make it easier to access the beans during harvest. Farmers must ensure the plant has enough space and support to grow healthily.

One of the most fascinating aspects of vanilla cultivation is manual pollination. Outside its natural habitat in Mexico, vanilla can’t rely on its natural pollinators. That’s where human ingenuity comes into play.

Each vanilla flower, which blooms only one day a year, must be pollinated by hand. Growers use a delicate but effective technique discovered by Edmond Albius, a young enslaved person from Réunion, in 1841. With a thorn or a needle, they gently lift the membrane separating the male and female parts of the flower and press them together to transfer the pollen. This meticulous process is crucial for the flower to turn into a pod.

After pollination, vanilla beans take about nine months to mature. During this time, they turn from green to yellow. Growers must be attentive and patient, as harvesting should only be done at full maturity to ensure the best quality vanilla.

The beans are harvested one by one, by hand, with great care to avoid damaging them. At this stage, the beans have yet to reveal their captivating aroma. It is only after a lengthy transformation process that the magic happens.

Vanilla cultivation in Madagascar is an ancient art that requires exceptional expertise and unwavering dedication. From planting to processing, every step is crucial in producing Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, recognized as some of the finest in the world.

We hope this journey to the heart of vanilla plantations has given you a better understanding of where this precious spice comes from and all the care that goes into it. At Vanillia, we are proud to share this natural treasure with you and to help build a more sustainable future.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Feel free to browse our website to discover our products and our commitment to the planet. Enjoy, and see you soon on Vanillia!