Tahitian vanilla, a coveted spice

Do you like vanilla? Want to know how it's made? Don't panic, let's find out together in this article! Ready to find out more? This is the place to find out!

Tahitian vanilla: the island of Raiatea takes center stage!

Vanilla is a spice that many people enjoy. And with good reason: it's quite sweet and tasty when you know how to choose it well. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that the history of vanilla began on the island of Raiatea. Alain Abel is its ambassador. And with good reason: he is known and recognized on this island as one of the pioneers of the culinary arts. He has been awarded several medals and is a bit like Tahiti's Paul Bocuse. To dine in his restaurant is to open your taste buds to new flavors. It's also worth noting that, with his team, he makes the best vanilla on the island. And it takes a lot of hard work to make vanilla a popular spice. In fact, he considers each vanilla pod to be not only a jewel, but also a veritable jewel of flavor. So you can eat some of the best vanilla in the world. A little tour wouldn't hurt, would it?

What type of vanilla should you choose?

Just like wines, it's perfectly possible to talk about "vanilla grands crus". And it's important to know that these are distinguished by the size of the pod, but also by variations in aroma. Here are the different vanilla grands crus currently available:

• Grand Cru Tahaa: the vanilla pod measures between 12 and 14 cm. It is rather short and fleshy.
• Grand Cru Raiatea: the pod measures between 15 and 17 cm. Rather long and fleshy.
• Grand Cru Bora Bora: pods measure between 18 and 19 cm. This is quite simply the most flowery vanilla in the range.

Try them all, in different dishes. That way, you'll be able to really notice the differences between each vanilla pod.

Why is vanilla so expensive?

But just as you were about to buy a vanilla bean, you realize just how expensive it can be. And you wonder why? Here are the reasons why vanilla beans are so expensive:

• It's an imported product. In fact, we can't find vanilla pods anywhere in the world.
• It's a difficult product to produce and a plant that requires a lot of maintenance.
• Vanilla is becoming increasingly rare due to climate change.

Vanilla is certainly the favorite spice of the French. Nevertheless, it's important to know the differences between each vanilla bean, and to determine which is best for your dish.