There's no denying that vanilla is a highly sought-after spice and flavor that is utilized in a wide range of products, including foods and cosmetics.
The gold standard of vanilla beans is what you'll find in Madagascar. You've come to the correct site if you'd like more information about this superior product and its applications.
We are here to answer all your questions regarding this premium spice thanks to our extensive experience and close working relationship with farmers in Madagascar.
An Overview of Vanilla Beans in Madagascar
Madagascar, an island off the southeast coast of Africa, is the source of premium vanilla beans, often known as Bourbon-cured vanilla beans. It might be important to note that Bourbon-cured gets its name from the history of the Bourbon Islands, which are now the Reunion Islands, and has nothing to do with alcohol at all.
Since Madagascar is renowned for having a diverse range of fascinating flora and animals, it stands to reason that the country would be the source of premium vanilla beans. The island is among the best places to produce these plants because of its rich, loamy soil and frequent rains.
It's interesting to note that beans are not indigenous to Madagascar. They are from the vanilla planifolia orchid species, which is indigenous to Mexico. On the other hand, Madagascar farmers raise and cure vanilla orchids entirely by hand.
This helps to the delicate curing process of vanilla beans, starting with the crucial step of ripening the vanilla and continuing until the start of the four main curing phases: dipping, sweating, drying, and conditioning.
One of the reasons Madagascar vanilla beans have a higher concentration of vanillin—the main organic compound in vanilla bean extract—than beans from other regions is because of this well-planned curing process.
It's vital to remember that extract from Madagascar Bourbon-cured vanilla beans tastes far better than artificial vanilla flavoring. The additional organic chemicals included in genuine vanilla beans are absent from the former, which is often derived from wood pulp. Because of this, fake vanilla is devoid of the fruity, spicy, and flowery notes that distinguish real Madagascar beans.
What Uses Are There for Madagascar Vanilla Beans?
Are you unsure of how to utilize this spice? These are a few of the applications for this well-known plant.
Food
Vanilla beans can be used to manufacture your own homemade vanilla extract, which will help you satisfy many of your everyday cooking demands.
When it comes to using vanilla extract or sugar, the possibilities are endless. Think beyond cakes, smoothies, and other sweet treats. It can also be used in cocktail recipes, particularly if you enjoy the creamy flavor of vanilla.
Vanilla naturally sweetens food, so you don't always need to add extra sugar or sweeteners!
Items for Personal Care
Because of its opulent scent, vanilla is a popular ingredient in personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and creams. A warm perfume permeates all of your living areas when you use oil diffusers and candles with vanilla scents.
Purchasing Vanilla from Madagascar: Things to Watch Out for
Several manufacturers have stepped forward to offer this premium variety of vanilla beans to meet the increasing demand for Madagascar vanilla beans.
But when you buy them, consider the following to make sure you're getting just premium vanilla beans:
Color
Fresher vanilla beans are indicated by medium brown to black-colored pods, which should always be sought after.
Grade Level
Grade A vanilla beans are of higher quality than other grade levels, as one might expect. Because gourmet vanilla beans are of superior quality, you should also focus on them.
Length
A key factor in assessing the quality of Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans is their length. This is because the bottom two-thirds of the plant contains the majority of the flavor in vanilla beans. Thus, better flavor is associated with longer beans. To achieve the desired strong vanilla flavor, aim for vanilla beans that are between 5 and 8 inches in length.
Texture
When purchasing fresh Madagascar vanilla, look for beans that have a flexible, slightly greasy texture. When making vanilla, there's a good probability they'll split or break apart whether they're wet or dry. Remember that while you're creating vanilla extract or adding your beans to recipes, texture can also have an impact on flavor.
Conclusion
It would be a fantastic benefit to include Madagascar vanilla beans in your regular necessities since they are an absolute must-have.
