Tahitian Vanilla Beans: Origins and Why Is It So Expensive?

Lots of vanilla seeds inside the pod 2024 12 07 15 26 16 web2

The Tahitian Vanilla Bean origin traces back to the largest island in the chain of South Pacific Island in French Polynesia, Tahiti. Its windswept black and white sand beaches, tremendous waterfalls, lush green mountains, and tropical fish swimming in bright blue-green lagoons not only make it a stunning holiday destination, but an excellent growing place for botanicals like vanilla.

Both the beauty of this tropical island and sought-after Vanilla Bean exclusive to its soil has made Tahiti a popular visiting place for professionals in the culinary industry.

The Vanilla Bean originally derives from the orchid plant, more specifically Vanilla Planifolia, which is the only fruiting orchid in the Orchidaceae family. Their seeds are shorter and broader than the well-known Phalaenopsis variety and was originally native to Mexico, where its locals believed it was a food of the god and thus, began sowing the seeds. It was Hernán Cortés who then introduced the beans to Europe in the 15th Century.

Madagascan Vanilla Beans are most well-known as Bourbon Vanilla Beans though they have no relation to bourbon or any other alcohol variety, unless made into vanilla extract. This name actually comes from one of its growing places – Réunion, also known as Bourbon. Other areas planifolia pods are found are Madagascar (hence its most-common name), Comoros, and the Indian Ocean.

When it comes to the difference between Tahitian and Madagascar Vanilla, Tahitian vanilla pods are much wider and flater than the Madagascan variety and contain less vanillin, an organic compound responsible for its distinct aroma and taste. Tahitian vanilla is unique among these hand-grown varieties, as it is a hybrid of two species, vanilla, and tahitensis. It has a thinner stem and oval-shaped leaves, and is dark green in colour. The aroma is floral with undertones of ripe fruit for a deep and rich taste of cherry chocolate, licorice, and caramel.

Tahitian Vanilla is cured very differently to other vanilla pods around the world. Most varieties of Vanilla beans come to the very end of their ripening period due to the heavy wet season before harvesting in Madagascar and other areas, however, this is not the case with Tahitian vanilla. When the pods begin to change from green to yellow, this is a sign the pods are ripe and ready for harvesting. Only the ripened vanilla pods are harvested from the vines, whilst the rest of the seeds are left to turn their signature yellow hue. The harvested seeds are then stored in a dry place until they age and start to turn brown. Once the beans are golden brown all over, they are gently rinsed under cold water and placed in the hot afternoon sun for drying. Once dry, they are wrapped in woolen blankets and placed in thermal boxes to soak up all the leftover moisture for several days.

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The aromatic flavours of Tahitian vanilla

The taste of true Tahitian Vanilla Beans is only described as a pure delight for your tastebuds. The flavour of these special beans is soft, delicate, intoxicating, and floral. No other vanilla bean in the world measures up to its luxurious, aromatic, exotic, and sensual flavors that go well with both sweet and savoury dishes. Cherry, chocolate, and spicy tones give it a specific taste which makes it the world's most prized vanilla variety.

Cut the vanilla pods lengthwise with a knife and scrape the seeds (inner black part) with the back of a knife, which is referred to as ‘vanilla caviar’. Add the vanilla caviar to cake dough, cookie dough, and toppings, sauces, etc. Add it to a bottle of liqueur or put it in a glass of brown sugar to soak the rich flavours.

You can also use it in traditional Tahitian cuisine from the Tahitian Islands by making rich, creamy desserts with tapioca combined with fruits like banana, coconut, and cassava. It also makes a wonderful flavour when added to a classic ice cream base for a unique vanilla ice cream! It also imparts a wonderful flavour when added to fish and seafood dishes.

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The Spice People SKU: 012725

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