Vanilla Production - Worldmapper (2024)

FAQs

In what country is 80% of the world's vanilla bean production? ›

Madagascar vanilla beans make up over 80% of the world's supply of vanilla.

You wouldn't think it, but vanilla – the world's most popular flavor – is difficult to grow, incredibly expensive, and is in extremely short supply.

Why is vanilla extract so expensive? Vanilla extract comes from a plant that is very finicky and difficult to grow. Additionally, most are grown in Madagascar, which has experienced a number of storms in the last five years that have destroyed crops.

A: One healthy vanilla plant can produce ~2 kg (4.4 lb) of green beans per plant. Curing is usually about 5:1 or 6:1 kg (11:1 or 13:1 lb) green bean to cured bean by weight, so each plant can produce around 0.3 to 0.4 kg (0.7–0.9 lb) cured vanilla beans.

Madagascar's and Indonesia's cultivations produce two-thirds of the world's supply of vanilla. Vanilla is the second-most expensive spice (as measured in terms of average price by unit of weight) after saffron because growing the vanilla seed pods is labor-intensive.

Around 80% of the world's supply of natural vanilla comes from the African island, but due to a number of challenges, from devastating storms, the pressures of deforestation, and intensive labor, the dwindling supply of the product makes it very difficult to meet the high demand (via Forbes).

Where Does the U.S. Import Vanilla Beans From? There are relatively few places in the world that are able to successfully grow and cultivate vanilla beans. The island nation of Madagascar is actually the world's largest exporter of vanilla beans. The United States imports from Madagascar and other nations.

Vanilla is grown within 10-20 degrees of the equator. Most vanilla beans available today are from Madagascar, Mexico and Tahiti.

From start to finish, vanilla beans are produced by hand. This method is feasible only in poor countries where wages are low. As a result, in countries where vanilla is grown, the average person simply cannot afford to spend $10 on a bottle of vanilla extract.

Why is Mexican vanilla better? ›

Pure Mexican Vanilla has at least a 35% alcohol content and higher natural vanillin concentration. It is, therefore, best utilized in those items which require high heat, such as baked goods. This allows much of the alcohol to burn off.

What is the shelf life of my vanilla extract? When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening. What is the shelf life of my vanilla beans?

If you're using average-sized vanilla beans, 6 to 8 beans equal one ounce. For plumper vanilla beans, 1 to 3 beans equal one ounce. For smaller vanilla beans, you'll need 15 or more to make up one ounce.

And, one of the best parts about using vanilla beans to make vanilla extract at home is that you can reuse the beans! What is this? Once you've used up the extract from a batch, you can reuse the beans (with added fresh ones) to make a new batch of extract.

According to Stephen Chavez, chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education, pure vanilla is expensive because the beans come from a delicate plant that only grows in tropical regions.

Madagascar is known for producing the highest quality vanilla. Not only is the aroma intense, the flavor profile goes well in food dishes, brewing or for beer, desserts, vanilla extract, and many other possibilities. Most recognize the Madagascar vanilla is the most popular due to these traits.

Madagascar Vanilla Beans, Organic

Organic Madagascar vanilla beans are considered the world's gold standard for quality. The country of Madagascar has a globally unmatched reputation and market demand for its high-quality Vanilla planifolia, also known as Bourbon vanilla.

A cheaper artificial form (USP vanillin) is synthesized from guaiacol, a coal tar derivative; or produced from lignin, a by-product of the paper industry. The two sources have similar flavour profiles.

France and Germany are by far the biggest vanilla importers of Europe, also in value. Though volume increased between 2017 and 2021, value decreased.

In both the global and regional markets, France is the country that consumes the most vanilla.

What vanilla is most popular? ›

Bourbon Vanilla beans produce a clear and creamy flavor, and are regarded as the most popular vanilla profile, making Madagascar the top producer of vanilla globally.

Pompona is the rarest of the commercially produced vanilla beans and, as such, is often hard to obtain.

Pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life and doesn't really go bad. Please note that the extract has an alcohol base, and alcohol tends to very slowly evaporate after the first opening of the bottle. That means that after a few years you might notice that the flavor of the extract is slightly more intense.

Vanilla extract will last several years as long as it's not exposed to bright light or temperature extremes. Because of its high alcohol content, it's like good whiskey or brandy; it gets better with age for about two years and then levels off. However, if it's exposed to heat or light, it will degrade some.

If you pack this vanilla in your checked luggage, it is totally not an issue - but I'd suggest you consider double bagging them securely in ziplock bags, just in case they leak.

Vanilla's leading flavor is due to the presence of vanillin, an organic compound that delivers those signature sweet, warm, and creamy flavors. Madagascar vanilla has higher concentrations of vanillin than beans from other countries, another reason why Madagascar vanilla beans are so richly flavored.

No restrictions as long as you are within your allotment. I usually bring back 250ml and 500ml and the issue is never the amount of them as much as the weight as liquids are heavy. Canada and the US are similar on this and I always bring back at least a dozen bottle.

You can finally get authentic pure Mexican Vanilla from Mexico without traveling there! Our vanilla product is made from real vanilla beans, is brought into the U.S. legally (FDA# 16359565038) and doesn't contain dangerous coumarin or corn syrup as most vanilla products at the border have.

The Vanilla Orchid

Vanilla planifolia is the plant responsible for natural vanilla flavor. These vanilla orchids grow as vines in south Florida, USDA Hardiness zones 10a to 11a. They are found climbing up host trees and flowering in the branches.

Mexican vanilla is cheaper, has a strong flavor, and it has 'FDA Approved' on the label so I know it's not that stuff that tourists buy,” or, “I get vanilla made in Mexico from a local distributor or online. Its 2 or 4 times stronger and cheaper than other vanillas.

Which is better Mexican or Madagascar vanilla? ›

Also called bourbon vanilla, Madagascan vanilla comes from the same plant and has the same basic flavor notes as Mexican vanilla. The only significant difference is that in Mexico, the plant is pollinated by a bee and in Madagascar, humans need to pollinate the flower, leading to its higher price.

Pure vanilla is made with the extract of beans from the vanilla plant. Mexican vanilla is frequently made with the extract of beans from the tonka tree, an entirely different plant that belongs to the pea family.

That's because of the symbiotic relationship between the vanilla orchid and an indigenous tiny bee called the Melipona. This Mexican bee is the only insect evolved to pollinate the vanilla orchid flower. Vanilla beans grow green on the vine and are harvested when the tip begins to turn yellow.

The standards clearly require that the presence of added vanillin must be declared through the name of the product – “vanilla-vanillin extract,” “vanilla-vanillin flavoring,” or “vanilla-vanillin powder.” These product names are seldom used.

Madagascar vanilla beans are consistently ranked as the best vanilla beans due to overall consistency of the vanilla beans that are produced.

Store homemade vanilla extract in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (such as the pantry) indefinitely. Use within 5 years for the best flavor, or use indefinitely if you continue to top off the jar with vodka and beans over time.

Pure vanilla extract calls for just two ingredients: alcohol for extraction and vanilla beans. As you can imagine, it has the shelf life of basically forever, since its ingredients are pretty shelf-stable.

When taken by mouth: Vanilla is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. However, some people are allergic to vanilla. It might also cause headache and sleep problems (insomnia), especially for people who manufacture vanilla extract.

What Kind of Alcohol is Best for Making Vanilla Extract? You can use any alcohol as long as it is 80 proof. The best and most popular choices are vodka, bourbon, brandy, or rum. Vodka is the most versatile because it has a neutral flavor.

80 proof Alcohol: Vanilla extract is most commonly made from vodka, but you can use bourbon, brandy, or rum instead. I usually use vodka, but the one bottle of bourbon vanilla I made 7 months ago is DIVINE. No need to splurge on expensive alcohol.

Which vodka is best for vanilla extract? ›

Ingredients & Supplies for Making Vanilla Extract

I always use grade A, so either works. 80 Proof Vodka (40% alcohol by volume): Vodka is the best option for extract because of its (somewhat) neutral smell & taste. It lets the vanilla shine, which is ideal for most recipes.

Re-fillable: Once you run out of vanilla, refill the bottle with Vodka and use the beans for another batch (they will last for up to two batches). Also, the vanilla extract wont expire as long as it's stored in a cool, dry place.

Just remember this ratio: 6 vanilla beans per 8 ounces of alcohol. So if your jar is 12 ounces, use 9 vanilla beans. If it's 16 ounces, use 12 beans. Pour your alcohol of choice on top.

Grade A Vanilla Beans are considered the best. They are primarily grown in Peru and Madagascar, but also in other parts of South America, Africa and India. The beans are harvested when they're just right—not too ripe or too green. Grade B Vanilla Beans are less expensive than Grade A beans—but you get what you pay for.

Mexican vanilla that is produced by a reputable American company is pure vanilla extract made from Mexican beans. Unfortunately, some specialty food stores carry Mexican vanilla made in Mexico. While it is possible that it is pure vanilla, the chances are more than 99% that it is not pure.

Yes, it is worth making your own vanilla extract because it's cheaper and more flavorful than store bought extract. At the store you're typically paying $5 per ounce, and this came out to $1.65 per ounce! You can buy high quality vanilla beans so much cheaper from an online spice shop than your grocery store.

Tahitian vanilla beans are the most expensive type of vanilla bean, but don't let that deter you. These vanilla beans have a superb flavor and aroma.

Combined with the hot, humid climate and rich soil, hand pollination by the country's skilled and patient farmers has enabled Madagascar to become the world's top vanilla producer in both quantity and quality.

Vanilla plantations sprang up across the globe, from Madagascar to India, Tahiti, and Indonesia. Today about 75 percent of the world's vanilla comes from Madagascar and Réunion.

The biggest producer of vanilla is Madagascar (2900 tons), followed by Indonesia (2300 tons), China (885 tons), Mexico and Papua New Guinea.

What percent of vanilla comes from Madagascar? ›

Madagascar supplies 80-85% of the world's natural vanilla. In the 19th century the French introduced Bourbon vanilla, a tropical vine orchid native to Mexico and parts of South America, to their African island colony. Vanilla represents 20% of Madagascan exports, worth around $600m at current prices.

Vanilla was already highly valued in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica (especially in Mexico) and was introduced into Europe by Spanish conquistadors, extending to the rest of the world later. The history of vanilla is associated with that of chocolate. Its origin is Mexican.

Taste: A smoother consistency and richer taste characterize the French vanilla flavor, whereas regular vanilla ice cream is plainer. French vanilla has its eggy base to thank for its thick, custardy taste, while regular vanilla relies on cream plus a vanilla flavoring that derives from the vanillin compound.

Description. Vanilla bean is prized for its sweet subtle flavor. At McCormick, we source our vanilla beans from Madagascar, considered by bakers to be the finest in the world.

Our Traditional Mexican vanilla is more typical of a really good vanilla that you buy when you visit Mexico. It has 10% alcohol and a small amount (less than 1%) of vanillin (which is a naturally occurring vanillin, not synthetic). The vanillin helps hold the flavor and gives the vanilla a very rich, smooth flavor.

Madagascar vanilla beans are consistently ranked as the best vanilla beans due to overall consistency of the vanilla beans that are produced.

Madagascar vanilla has the same basic taste as Mexican vanilla, as they both come from the same plant. The difference is that in Madagascar, the pollination is done by bees rather than human hands. Madagascar vanilla traces its roots back to 1800, where the orchard was introduced to Madagascar from Mexico.

Many farmers in India are earning a lot more than 3-4 lakh rupees every year from one acre of vanilla cultivation. If you notice carefully, Any crop which is hard to grow has a price value that is much higher than a crop that is considerably easier to grow.