Bourbon M Vanilla Beans - Bourbon Label - TK Quality

What is Bourbon vanilla?

Bourbon vanilla is a specific type of vanilla cultivated mainly on the island of Madagascar and other islands in the Indian Ocean, such as Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros. This variety of vanilla is considered one of the most popular and appreciated in the world because of its rich, complex and sweet aroma.

The name "Bourbon" comes from the old name of Reunion Island, which was once called "Bourbon Island". Bourbon vanilla is produced from the vanilla variety Vanilla planifolia, also known as Bourbon vanilla. Bourbon vanilla beans are generally longer and thinner than other vanilla varieties, with a higher vanillin content, which gives them a more intense flavor and aroma. Bourbon vanilla beans are often used to flavor desserts, pastries, beverages, as well as savory dishes such as sauces and marinades.

What is the "Bourbon" label?

The "Bourbon" label was created to protect and guarantee the quality of vanilla produced in Madagascar and other islands of the Indian Ocean, which are historical regions of Bourbon vanilla production. The label guarantees that the vanilla has been grown, harvested and processed according to strict standards, and that it meets the specific quality criteria established for Bourbon vanilla.

The Bourbon label is an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), which is a form of legal protection granted to products that have a specific geographic origin and are produced according to particular quality standards. To qualify as "Bourbon vanilla", the vanilla must be produced in Madagascar, Reunion, Mauritius or other Indian Ocean islands, and it must be grown from the Vanilla planifolia variety.

Bourbon vanilla must also be processed using specific methods, such as sun-drying and vacuum-packing, which preserve its characteristic aroma and flavor. Bourbon vanilla beans must have a minimum vanillin content of 1.6% and a maximum moisture content of 38%. In addition, the pods must be of a specific length and diameter to be considered Bourbon vanilla beans.

The Bourbon label is therefore a guarantee of quality for consumers and vanilla producers. It protects the reputation of Bourbon vanilla as a premium product and assures consumers that the vanilla they buy is authentic and of the highest quality.

What is the difference between Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar and Bourbon vanilla from Reunion Island?

Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar and Reunion Island vanilla are both premium vanilla varieties produced in the Indian Ocean, but they have subtle differences in flavor, aroma and texture.

Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is often considered the most common and popular variety. It is characterized by a sweet, floral flavor, with notes of caramel and honey. It is also often described as having a stronger aroma than Bourbon vanilla from Reunion Island. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is generally finer and softer than Reunion Island Bourbon vanilla, with a slightly higher moisture content.

Reunion Island Bourbon vanilla is often considered to be richer and more complex in flavor and aroma than Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. It is characterized by a more woody and spicy flavor, with deeper and more complex vanilla notes. Bourbon vanilla from Reunion Island is often described as being fuller bodied and firmer than Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, with a slightly lower moisture content.

Ultimately, the choice between Madagascar Bourbon and Reunion Island vanilla depends on personal preference in terms of flavor, aroma and texture.

What is the composition of Bourbon vanilla?

Bourbon vanilla is composed of many different substances, but the compounds that give it its characteristic aroma and flavor are vanillin, glucovanillins and acetaldehydes. Vanillin is the main aroma compound in Bourbon vanilla, accounting for about 80-85% of its aroma content. Glucovanillins are precursors to vanillin that, when exposed to specific conditions, degrade to release vanillin. Acetaldehydes are compounds that contribute to the sweet, floral flavor of Bourbon vanilla.

In addition to these compounds, Bourbon vanilla also contains sugars, organic acids, tannins, traces of essential oils and minerals. Bourbon vanilla beans are also rich in antioxidants such as vanilloyl glucose and vanilloyl phenolic acids, which can help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals in the body. The exact composition of Bourbon vanilla can vary depending on factors such as the variety of vanilla used, the growing conditions, the processing method and the harvest period.

What is the price of Bourbon vanilla?

The price of Bourbon vanilla can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the quality of the vanilla, supply and demand in the world market, weather conditions and world economic events. In general, Bourbon vanilla is considered one of the most expensive vanilla varieties on the market due to its superior quality and relative rarity.

In recent years, the price of Bourbon vanilla has fluctuated significantly, reaching historically high levels in 2017. In 2020, Bourbon vanilla prices rose again due to the COVID-19 pandemic, drought, and global economic turmoil.

In general, premium Bourbon vanilla beans can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars per kilogram on the world market. Price fluctuations can be particularly significant for local producers, who may experience even greater price fluctuations due to the logistical and economic challenges of producing and selling Bourbon vanilla in the Indian Ocean islands.

Planting, harvesting, processing: everything you need to know about growing vanilla

Vanilla is an orchid. This magnificent plant obtained by cuttings puts our patience to the test. It takes 4 years for it to produce its first fruits. As soon as it blooms, the flowers must be fertilized in the purest of traditions to preserve the quality of the future vanilla. Sunshine, humidity, the bourbon vanilla needs extremely favorable conditions to bloom and produce exceptional pods. The fertilized vanilla flower will wilt. A few weeks later, the pod reaches its adult size. But it will take another nine months for it to reach maturity.

Harvesting and maturing Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans is a complex process that requires a lot of patience and know-how. Here are the main steps of this process:

Flowering: The flowers of Bourbon vanilla of Madagascar appear in November and December. They last only one day and must be fertilized manually. The producers pick the flowers and use a small stick to transfer the pollen from one flower to the other.

Pod growth: If the flower is successfully pollinated, a pod will begin to grow from the point of pollination. Vanilla beans take several months to grow to their full size, and must be harvested at a specific time to obtain the best quality.

Harvesting: Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans are harvested by hand when they are ripe. Producers cut the pods with scissors and sort them according to size and quality. The pods must be processed immediately after harvesting to prevent them from rotting.

Steaming: The vanilla beans are immersed in hot water for several minutes to stop the ripening process and kill the natural enzymes that could alter their flavor. This step is called steaming.

Drying: After steaming, the Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans are spread out on jute mats and exposed to the sun for several days. The producers turn the pods over regularly to ensure uniform drying.

Refining: The Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans are then stored in wooden boxes for several months to refine their flavor. Producers carefully monitor humidity and temperature to ensure the best possible quality.

Packaging: Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans are sorted and packaged before being shipped to customers. The beans are often sold whole, but they can also be processed into vanilla extract, vanilla powder or vanilla syrup.

Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is one of the most prized vanillas in the world because of its rich, sweet flavor. The harvesting and curing process can be long and arduous, but it is essential to achieving the highest quality possible.

How to store your Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans - TK Quality?

A good conservation of the Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is essential to preserve its properties and its subtle taste. I advise you to put it in an airtight jar with a base of alcohol or to freeze it. To learn more, read my article on the conservation of vanilla.

The properties of Madagascar bourbon vanilla

If this exceptional product will delight your taste buds, the Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is also known for its properties. It is a natural antidepressant in the same way as chocolate. Indulge yourself, you will be better off. Rich in polyphenols, it acts against cell aging. Like chocolate, some say that vanilla is an aphrodisiac. But vanilla is also your slimming partner. Not very rich in sugar, it will come to decorate your sweetened dishes while limiting the contribution in carbohydrates. Finally, it favors the digestion, it is a real ally of your well-being.

When Madagascar vanilla enhances our recipes

Enjoy the aromatic power of my TK quality Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans! It will bring a whole new dimension to your cooking. Fragrant and fleshy, your beans are just waiting to be split to reveal all their aromas and enhance your exotic dishes and other pastries.
Forget powdered vanilla, flee from natural flavoring or vanilla extract and opt for the Madagascar vanilla bean. Splitting your premium vanilla beans is a pleasure in itself, your senses will be immediately awakened.

Recipes with Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar

Crème brûlée with Bourbon vanilla: cream, milk, sugar, egg yolks, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla cake: flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla sauce: milk, cream, sugar, corn starch, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla ice cream: milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla coffee: coffee, Bourbon vanilla syrup.

Bourbonvanilla smoothie: milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, honey, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbon vanilla pie: shortcrust pastry, sugar, milk, eggs, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla cookies: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla cheesecake: crumbled cookies, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla pudding: milk, sugar, cornstarch, eggs, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla pancakes: flour, milk, eggs, sugar, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla pancakes: flour, milk, eggs, sugar, baking powder, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla yogurt: milk, plain yogurt, sugar, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla muffins: flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla brownies: dark chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla granola: oatmeal, nuts, honey, oil, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla smoothie bowl: yogurt, frozen fruit, milk, honey, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbon vanilla crumble: fresh fruits, sugar, flour, butter, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla soufflé: milk, sugar, flour, eggs, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla tiramisu: sponge cake, mascarpone, sugar, eggs, coffee, Bourbon vanilla.

Discover also Bourbon vanilla in savory recipes, it's even better!

Bourbon vanilla shrimp: shrimp, olive oil, garlic, Bourbon vanilla.

Grilled chicken with Bourbon vanilla: chicken breast, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla béchamel sauce: milk, butter, flour, salt, pepper, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla vinaigrette: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbon vanilla pork saute: pork tenderloin, olive oil, onion, garlic, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla poached salmon: salmon filet, white wine, lemon, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla risotto: arborio rice, chicken broth, onion, white wine, parmesan, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla marinated steak: steak, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla sweet potato puree: sweet potatoes, milk, butter, Bourbon vanilla.

Lamb chops with Bourbon vanilla: lamb chops, olive oil, garlic, Bourbon vanilla.

BourbonVanilla Beef Stew: beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, beef broth, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbon Vanilla Chili: ground beef, kidney beans, canned tomatoes, onion, chili powder, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbon Vanilla BBQ Sauce: ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Bourbon vanilla.

BourbonVanilla Pumpkin Soup: pumpkin, chicken broth, onion, cream, Bourbon vanilla.

BourbonVanilla Steak Fries: steak, potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, Bourbon vanilla.

BourbonVanilla Grilled Salmon: salmon filet, olive oil, lemon juice, Bourbon vanilla.

Roasted chicken with Bourbon vanilla: chicken thighs, olive oil, thyme, Bourbon vanilla.

Bourbonvanilla mushroom risotto: arborio rice, mushroom broth, mushrooms, parmesan, Bourbon vanilla.

Pork skewers with Bourbon vanilla: pork tenderloin, peppers, onion, soy sauce, Bourbon vanilla.