ORIGINS
While the main species of vanilla orchids are grown primarily in Madagascar and other tropical areas, they originally came from Mesoamerica, including parts of modern day Mexico and Perú. Natural vanilla is a flavoring derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla (Orchidaceae). The word vanilla derives from the Spanish word “vainilla” for little pod.
Vanilla holds significant commercial value on the international market. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world, second only to saffron. Despite the expense, vanilla is highly valued for its aroma and flavor.
Regarded as the world's most popular aroma and flavor, vanilla is used around the world as an aroma and flavor compound for foods, beverages and cosmetics. It is considered the most common ice cream flavor and widely used in perfume manufacture and aromatherapy.
Cross section of vanilla orchid, ©B. Navez 2006
MAJOR TYPES OF VANILLA
Vanilla planifolia
The majority of the world's vanilla is the vanilla planifolia species, more commonly known as Bourbon vanilla or Madagascar vanilla. It is produced in Madagascar and the neighboring islands of the southwestern Indian Ocean and in Indonesia. It prefers hot, wet, tropical climates.
Vanilla planifolia is currently the most popular and widely consumed vanilla on the international market. It produces greenish-yellow flowers last only a day, and must be pollinated manually. In the wild, there is less than 1% chance that these flowers will be pollinated, so in order to receive a steady flow of fruit, the flowers must be hand pollinated when grown on farms.
Vanilla planifolia, ©Malcom Manners
Vanilla tahitensis
Vanilla tahitensis is the second most popular type of vanilla and grows on a vine up trees for support. It is comprised of zig-zag stems, narrow elliptic leaves and yellowish-green flowers, which are followed by bunches of bean-like pods.
The pods on Vanilla tahitensis are shorter and broader compared to the more commonly grown Vanilla planifolia. The taste and fragrance are also distinctive. Vanilla tahitensis is found in French Polynesia.
Vanilla tahitensis on coconut trunk:
Huahiné Island, ©Fichier, May 2006
Vanilla pompona
Vanilla pompona (including wild Peruvian) is a species of orchid native to South America and is basically unknown in the flavor and fragrance industry.
Vanilla pompona grows on a vine whose leaves and stems are generally thicker than the vines of Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla tahitensis.
WHY VANILLA POMPONA?
Vanilla pompona represents a unique source of vanilla extract and other commercial products:
- Native plant
- Sustainable growing practices
- Supports development as a specialty crop
- Expansion to Domestic and International markets
- Attractive aroma and special flavor profiles
OTHER PERUVIAN VANILLAS
Our research has uncovered other species of Peruvian vanilla.
