The art of preparing Madagascar Vanilla: A true passion
- Matana Québec
- Jan 8, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 27
Madagascar's Bourbon Vanilla is of exceptional quality. It can be used as an ingredient in dishes and recipes. It can also be an ingredient in cosmetic products or in various other fields (pharmaceuticals, household cleaning products, etc.).
Why Madagascar Vanilla is so exceptional?
Madagascar is renowned as the world’s top producer of vanilla, contributing 80% of global production. Known for its rich, complex flavor profile, Madagascar vanilla is the gold standard for culinary enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that this island, situated off the southeast coast of Africa, has become synonymous with the world’s finest vanilla. Its unique combination of a tropical climate and fertile soil makes it the perfect environment for cultivating this beloved spice.
Vanilla was introduced to Madagascar around 1880, and its growth has exploded since then, making it a key contributor to the island’s economy. Vanilla revenue accounts for 7% of Madagascar’s GDP. With its cultivation largely centered in the SAVA region, known for its humid climate, Madagascar has earned its reputation for producing the highest-quality vanilla beans.
The passion behind preparing Madagascar Vanilla: A manual process
Vanilla preparation is an intricate, manual process that requires patience, skill, and a deep respect for the craft. From the moment the vanilla flowers are hand-pollinated to the final curing stage, the journey of a vanilla pod is both time-consuming and delicate.
Hand-Pollination: The first step in Vanilla’s journey
In Madagascar, vanilla flowers are manually pollinated by skilled cultivators. This crucial step occurs between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily, as vanilla flowers only bloom for a short time. By hand-pollinating the flowers, farmers ensure the proper development of the vanilla pods, which are the source of the rich flavor.
The Regulated Green Vanilla Market in Madagascar
In Madagascar, the green vanilla market operates under strict regulations. The government sets the official opening date of the market each year, along with the minimum price per kilogram of green vanilla. All stakeholders in the vanilla industry, including processors, must purchase their green vanilla at these regulated markets.
Each village has its own designated market day, where local cultivators bring their freshly harvested green vanilla pods to sell. These market days provide farmers with the opportunity to sell to the highest bidder, creating a competitive atmosphere. It’s also a time for the community to come together, celebrate their harvest, and share in the success of their hard work.
The lengthy process of curing Vanilla Pods
After hand-pollination, the green vanilla pods require 8 to 10 months to mature. These pods resemble large green beans at this stage. Once mature, they enter the curing process, where each pod is meticulously massaged several times to distribute its seeds evenly. This lengthy process enhances the flavor and aroma, making Madagascar vanilla pods some of the most aromatic in the world.
The curing process involves several stages, from blanching to drying, and it is entirely manual. This is why the price of premium Madagascar vanilla is higher compared to vanilla from other regions. The careful attention and time invested in the preparation are key to bringing out the best in each pod.
An art passed down through generations
Vanilla preparation in Madagascar is not just a job; it’s an art. Each cultivator has their own method, but the best processors in Madagascar possess exceptional skills honed through generations. These artisans can transform green vanilla into the aromatic, black vanilla pods that chefs and food lovers across the world treasure.
A rough estimate suggests that it takes around 5 kilograms of green vanilla to produce just 1 kilogram of the prepared black vanilla that we recognize. This ratio speaks volumes about the care and effort required to create the best quality vanilla.
Get ready to see the magic behind Madagascar vanilla!
Watch our adorable video showing the passionate process of vanilla preparation – it’s like a behind-the-scenes tour of flavor!
Why Matana is the best supplier of Madagascar Vanilla in Quebec, accross Canada and in the US?
At Matana, we are passionate about bringing the finest Madagascar vanilla to Quebec, Canada, and the USA.
Our commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices ensures that we support local farmers and the communities in Madagascar. We carefully select our suppliers, ensuring that all our products meet the highest standards of quality and ethical production.
By choosing Matana, you're not only getting access to 100% natural, hand-crafted vanilla, but you're also supporting farmers and artisans in Madagascar. Our activities contribute to improving the living conditions of local farmers, helping them grow and thrive in their communities.
Discover the rich flavor of Madagascar Vanilla
Our premium Madagascar vanilla is the perfect addition to your culinary creations.
Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, you’ll appreciate the depth and complexity that Madagascar vanilla brings to your dishes. From desserts to savory dishes, this vanilla adds an unparalleled touch of elegance and flavor.
Visit our website today to learn more about our exceptional products and how Matana is making a difference.
Taste the difference with Matana’s Madagascar Vanilla!
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