From the Green Pod to the Black Spice

Welcome to the Vanillia blog! Today, we take you on a fascinating journey to the heart of Madagascar to discover how freshly picked green vanilla transforms into fragrant and delicious black vanilla. Get ready to explore a process as captivating as the enchanting aroma of this precious spice.

The Harvest: The Beginning of the Adventure

It all starts with the harvest of vanilla pods. Vanilla, or Vanilla planifolia for the initiated, is a climbing orchid that produces green pods after delicate manual pollination. The harvest of vanilla pods in Madagascar generally takes place between June and July, when the pods have reached their optimal maturity. The growers closely monitor the plantations to pick the pods at the right time, neither too early nor too late.

Scalding: The Magic of Hot Water

Once the pods are harvested, they undergo a crucial first step: scalding. This operation involves immersing the green pods in hot water, at around 65-70°C, for a few minutes. The purpose of this step is to stop the maturation of the pods and to initiate the fermentation process. It is a key step to develop the characteristic aromas of black vanilla.

Sweating: Fermentation Under Supervision

After scalding, the vanilla pods are immediately wrapped in wool or fabric blankets and placed in wooden boxes for sweating. This step lasts about 48 hours. The pods ferment under the effect of heat and humidity, allowing the aromas to begin to develop. During this period, the pods turn brown and acquire a supple texture.

Sun Drying: A Bath of Light

Once the sweating is finished, the vanilla pods are ready for sun drying. This step can last several weeks and requires constant attention. Every morning, the pods are spread out on mats in full sunlight and must be regularly turned to ensure even drying. In the evening, they are brought indoors to avoid nocturnal humidity. This drying process is crucial to eliminate excess moisture from the pods and concentrate the aromas.

Shade Drying: The Perfect Finish

After several weeks of sun drying, the vanilla pods move to a shade drying stage, which lasts a few more weeks. This step allows for the slow reduction of residual moisture and the refinement of the aromas. The pods are spread out on racks or hung in well-ventilated rooms. This slow and controlled drying phase is essential to obtain high-quality vanilla.

Aging: The Maturation of Aromas

Once the drying process is complete, the vanilla pods enter the aging phase. They are placed in wooden boxes lined with parchment paper and left to mature for several months, sometimes up to two years. This step allows the aromas to fully develop and the pods to acquire their characteristic black and shiny color. During this period, the pods are regularly inspected and sorted to eliminate those that do not meet quality standards.

Selection and Packaging: The Excellence of Vanillia

At Vanillia, we carefully select each vanilla pod to ensure exceptional quality. Our selection criteria include the length, flexibility, and aromatic richness of the pods. Once selected, the pods are packaged in airtight and resealable packaging to preserve all their freshness and fragrance until they arrive in your kitchen.

The transformation of green vanilla into black vanilla is a complex and fascinating process that requires exceptional know-how and infinite patience. Each step, from harvesting to aging, is crucial in developing the enchanting aromas of this precious spice. The Madagascar Bourbon vanilla we offer at Vanillia is the result of this meticulous and passionate work.

We hope that this journey to the heart of vanilla plantations has allowed you to better understand and appreciate all the care and attention needed to produce this exceptional spice. Whether you use it in your desserts, savory dishes, or even to create homemade beauty products, Madagascar Bourbon vanilla will add a touch of magic and refinement to all your culinary creations.

Thank you for joining us on this aromatic exploration. Feel free to browse our site to discover our products and our commitments to a more sustainable world. Bon appétit and see you soon on Vanillia!