Why Madagascar Vanilla Beans Are So Special

If you’ve ever shopped for vanilla, you likely know that “Bourbon vanilla” is a prized variety, but did you know that these beans are the same as the revered Madagascar vanilla beans? Known for their superior flavor and aroma, these beans are the most popular vanilla variety in the world. But beyond the taste that makes Madagascar vanilla beans the top choice of checks and food lovers, these beans have many special qualities that set them apart.

The Unique Terroir of Madagascar

In the world of agricultural and culinary products, the term “terroir” is used to describe the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography that influences the flavors of the ultimate product. You can see this most often in terms of wine, where different regions create distinct varieties, but it applies to vanilla beans as well.

For vanilla beans, Madagascar is one of the largest producers in the world due to the terroir. The beans from Madagascar have a sweet, creamy, and rich flavor profile with a hint of spice that is a reflection of the unique region. The same is true for Réunion Island, located off the coast of Madagascar and once known as Île Bourbon. The name Île Bourbon is why you may hear this variety referred to as “Bourbon vanilla,” which has no relationship to alcohol. Instead, this is a reference to the curing process established in this region that nods to its history.

Madagascar, an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa offers a tropical climate, with warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. This creates ideal conditions for vanilla orchids to thrive, along with rich, volcanic soil that creates these beloved beans.

Cultivation and Harvesting Methods

The quality of vanilla beans doesn’t stop with the location where they are grown; the unique and meticulous process of cultivating and harvesting them is a huge factor.

In Madagascar, this process is labor-intensive and has been passed down through the generations. The hand-pollination of vanilla beans requires skill and precision from locals, because natural pollinators like the Melipona bee do not live in Madagascar.

Once they’ve been pollinated, these vanilla pods take about nine months to mature, when the pods are then harvested by hand at the peak of ripeness. The timing of the harvest is one of the most important elements, as picking the pods too early or too late can affect the quality and flavor of the beans.

The Curing Process

After the extensive process to harvest vanilla beans in Madagascar, the curing process begins. This is what takes simple green vanilla pods to the next level, making them the delicious Madagascar vanilla beans you love.

This process happens in several stages, which are done with care and years of practice.

First, the vanilla pods are blanched in hot water to stop the ripening process and begin enzyme reactions that develop flavor and aroma. They can then be “sweated,” which involves wrapping them in blankets and leaving them in wooden boxes to sweat. This step encourages the growth of good bacteria and enzymes, which all help the flavor develop.

Beans can then be sun-dried on special racks or mats during the day and placed into airtight containers at night. This is continued for several weeks, along with careful monitoring so that the beans dry evenly without mold.

Once dried, the beans are conditioned through storage in wooden boxes for several months. This final step lets the flavors mature and meld so that the final product is a rich, complex Madagascar vanilla bean.

Sustainability and Fair-Trade Practices

The vanilla industry has come into the spotlight in recent years for a renewed focus on sustainability and fair-trade practices. Many Madagascar vanilla bean producers are committed to ethical sourcing, ensuring fair wages and working conditions for farmers and workers.

At Vanilla Bean Kings, we have working relationships with farmers in Madagascar and are dedicated to supporting the communities and preserving the cultural heritage of vanilla bean farming in the region. We know that our partners rely on us for their income, and, in turn, we rely on them for superior products: this relationship is at the heart of our brand.

Why Choose Madagascar Vanilla?

Madagascar vanilla beans are often praised for the flavor and aroma they offer, which is directly related to the beautiful region where they originate. Between a high concentration of vanillin, which gives vanilla its flavor, and the unique curing process, the beans’ flavor is notably sweet and creamy, with a spicy undertone.

These attributes make Madagascar vanilla beans the top choice for chefs and home cooks, from baking to savory meals to beverages. Since Madagascar vanilla beans are incredibly versatile, they can be used in a wide range of culinary creations.

These are just some of our favorite ways to incorporate Bourbon vanilla into your kitchen:

• Baking and Desserts: Madagascar vanilla beans are a staple in baking, adding depth and richness to cakes, cookies, pastries, and custards. The beans can be used in their whole form, or the seeds can be scraped out and added directly to recipes.
• Beverages: From classic vanilla lattes to exotic cocktails, Madagascar vanilla beans impart a delicious flavor to both hot and cold beverages. Infusing vanilla beans in milk, cream, or simple syrup can elevate your drinks to new heights.
• Savory Dishes: While vanilla is often associated with sweet treats, it can also enhance savory dishes. Vanilla pairs wonderfully with seafood, poultry, and root vegetables, adding a subtle sweetness and complexity to the dish.

Bring Madagascar Vanilla to Your Home

Madagascar vanilla beans are popular for a reason: the unique terroir and traditional cultivation techniques from the region infuse them with a special flavor and quality. When you choose Madagascar vanilla products from Vanilla Bean Kings, you also know that these products are sustainably made under fair trade practices and are a part of maintaining a larger cultural heritage that grows the community.

If you’re ready to taste the unparalleled flavor of Madagascar vanilla beans for yourself,  shop Vanilla Bean Kings today to explore our selection of premium Madagascar vanilla beans and other vanilla products. Shop now and taste the difference that quality makes!