💎 Madagascar's black gold
Bourbon vanilla is much more than a spice: it is a true aromatic treasure, nicknamed the black gold of Madagascar .
Originating from the tropical regions of the northeast of the island, notably Sambava, Antalaha and Andapa , this vanilla is recognized worldwide for its exceptional fragrance, which is sweet, floral and woody .
Each pod comes from the Vanilla planifolia orchid , a rare flower that blooms for only one day a year. Its pollination is done by hand , a precise and ancestral gesture carried out by Malagasy producers, the guardians of this unique tradition.
🌱 A handcrafted and meticulous production
After pollination, the pods take nearly 9 months to ripen on the vine before being harvested by hand.
Then begins a long process of transformation:
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Scalding : the pods are plunged into hot water to stop their ripening.
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Sun drying : they are then exposed for several days to reveal their aromas.
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Maturation : the pods are then stored in wooden chests for several months to develop their unique aroma.
This traditional method gives Bourbon vanilla its characteristic shine, suppleness and intense aromatic notes .
📏 Size and features
Bourbon vanilla pods from Madagascar typically measure between 13 and 18 cm .
They are distinguished by:
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shiny, oily black skin , a sign of quality.
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a high level of natural vanillin ,
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and a sweet, warm and slightly chocolatey scent.
💡 The longer and more supple the pod, the richer it is in aromas.
🍰 How to use Bourbon vanilla?
Vanilla is used in a multitude of preparations:
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Indulgent desserts : custard tart, crème brûlée, panna cotta, vanilla cake, rice pudding…
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Drinks : herbal tea, hot milk, infused rum, smoothie, homemade hot chocolate.
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Savory dishes : fish, poultry or exotic sauces for a subtle sweet touch.
👉 Tip: To release its full aroma, split the pod in half and scrape out the seeds. You can also infuse the whole pod in milk or cream.
🧊 Vanilla storage
To preserve all the aromatic richness of your pods:
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Store them in an airtight glass tube or a vacuum-sealed bag .
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Keep them away from light, moisture and heat .
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Never put them in the refrigerator.
💡 Chef's tip: you can reuse a previously infused vanilla pod by placing it in a jar of sugar to obtain delicious homemade vanilla sugar .
🍮 Recipe ideas with our Bourbon vanilla
Here are some simple and delicious ideas to enhance your vanilla:
🥧 Homemade vanilla custard tart
Ingredients: milk, eggs, sugar, cornflour, and 1 Bourbon vanilla pod.
➡️ Infuse the vanilla in the milk, then add the egg-sugar-cornstarch mixture before baking. The result: a melt-in-your-mouth, wonderfully fragrant flan.
🍰 Moist vanilla cake
Add the seeds from a vanilla bean to your cake batter for an airy texture and an irresistible aroma.
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
🌺 The unique aromatic notes of our vanilla
Our Bourbon Gold Black Vanilla is distinguished by:
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a sweet and floral note at the start,
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a deep, woody flavor on the palate
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and a slightly chocolatey and caramelized finish .
A perfect balance that delights pastry chefs and lovers of authentic taste.
❤️ Ethical and socially responsible vanilla
Each pod sold on Or Noir Vanilla directly supports the producers of the Mon Mada à Moi association .
By choosing our vanilla, you contribute to fair and sustainable trade , while offering a better future to Malagasy families.