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The history and origins of vanilla beans
Vanilla beans are much more than just an aromatic ingredient: they are the fruit of a rich and complex history that spans time and continents. From pre-Columbian civilizations to today’s top chefs, let’s discover the origins of vanilla beans.
Origins of vanilla in Central and South America
Vanilla beans come from the vanilla plant, an orchid native to Central and South America. Ancient civilizations such as the Totonacs and Aztecs were already using vanilla to flavor their sacred drinks and dishes. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16ᵉ century enabled Europe to discover and adopt this unique aroma.
A culture restricted to Mexico for centuries
The origin of vanilla beans remained exclusive to Mexico for a long time, due to the specific pollination required by the plant. This dependence on a particular type of bee held back the expansion of vanilla cultivation, until the 19ᵉ century, when a manual pollination method was discovered by Edmond Albius, a slave from the Indian Ocean islands.
Bourbon vanilla beans from Madagascar, a global benchmark
Thanks to manual pollination, Madagascar has become one of the world’s leading vanilla producers. Madagascar vanilla beans, or Bourbon vanilla, are distinguished by their sweet, intense flavor. Tropical climatic conditions and the care taken in their cultivation give them a unique taste profile, highly prized by chefs and food lovers the world over.
The many uses of vanilla beans over the centuries
Over the centuries, vanilla has remained one of the most appreciated spices, used in cooking, perfumery and cosmetics. Vanilla beans, rich in flavor, add a touch of sweetness and sophistication to desserts, beverages and even certain savory dishes, confirming their status as a culinary treasure.
Discover the exceptional quality of Madagascar vanilla
Today, they are recognized for their superior quality. At Vanilleo, we offer Bourbon vanilla beans carefully selected for their exceptional aroma and intense flavor. This authentic product embodies the very best of vanilla, grown using traditional, sustainable methods: OUR VANILLA BEANS
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