
There is no substitute for real Bourbon vanilla and it gives desserts and sweet dishes an incomparable nuance. The aromas of Madagascar vanilla are retained even in the ground vanilla pods, ensuring a particularly fine aroma. Finely ground, you can use Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar more easily to refine your dishes. The premium quality is what defines our organic vanilla powder. The secret behind high-quality vanilla Vanilla, the second most expensive spice in the world after saffron, is obtained from the fermented fruits of a species of orchid. The main component that gives vanilla its distinctive aroma is vanillin. During fermentation, this complex substance is formed, which is responsible for the sweet, warm and inviting note.The production of our high-quality vanilla in Madagascar is a complex and labor-intensive process that takes several months. Here are the main production steps: Cultivation and pollination Vanilla, obtained from the orchid Vanilla planifolia, is pollinated by hand in Madagascar because there are no natural pollinators there. This careful pollination, known as “mariage,” requires skill and time. Harvesting and processing The vanilla pods are harvested manually when they are ripe but still green. The quality of the vanilla depends on the right time of harvest. After harvesting, the pods are blanched to stop the ripening process and start enzyme activation, which is crucial for the vanilla flavor. They are then wrapped in cloths to “sweat” and then laid out to dry, with regular turning promoting the development of the aroma and dark color. Maturation After drying, the vanilla pods mature in boxes for several months, during which they become softer and their aromas develop further. This process usually takes 6-12 months and involves enzymatic processes that produce the characteristic vanilla aroma. A special feature of Madagascan ripening is the regular massage of the pods to promote their softness and an even distribution of aromas. Sorting and packaging After ripening, the vanilla pods are sorted according to size, quality and aroma, with high-quality pods being longer, moister and more aromatic. They are then carefully packaged to preserve quality. SoulSpice selects only the highest quality vanilla beans, which are very long, dark and pliable, with a complex aroma. Did you know that farmers in Madagascar take great risks to produce vanilla? Madagascar, one of the world's largest vanilla producers, faces challenges posed by vanilla theft. These thefts, often before the pods are fully ripe, lead to loss of quality and financial damage for local farmers. Even after the harvest, there is a risk of break-ins, forcing farmers to hide their vanilla, which in turn can affect the quality. Measures to protect against vanilla theft: Security guards and security fences: Many farmers hire guards and erect fences to protect their plantations from theft. Early harvest: Some farmers harvest the vanilla pods early to avoid theft. However, this can affect the quality of the vanilla. Marking the pods: Special codes on the pods help to make them identifiable and deter thieves. Community cooperation: In some regions, communities work together to monitor the fields and prevent theft. Our partner Authentic Products is committed to working closely with local farmers. The aim is to support them throughout the entire production process: Better prices for farmers to improve financial stability. Training and education in sustainable farming methods and business practices. Support in the development of protective measures against theft and to improve the living conditions of farmers. Vanilla production in Madagascar clearly shows how high-quality spices are not only culinary treasures, but also bring with them complex social and economic challenges. By purchasing fair trade vanilla, you can help improve the living conditions of farmers and promote sustainable development in the region.