A Visit to a Mauritius Vanilla Orchard
Vanilla's story begins in Mesoamerica, where the Totonac people of present-day Mexico were the first to cultivate and harness the alluring flavour of the vanilla orchid. They revered vanilla as a divine gift and used it in various rituals and culinary creations. Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, upon his arrival in the New World in the 16th century, encountered vanilla and brought it back to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity.
Vanilla remained a mystery for many years, as vanilla orchids were unable to produce fruit without their native pollinators, the Melipona bees, which were absent in Europe. It wasn't until the 19th century that a method of hand-pollination was successfully developed, leading to the widespread cultivation of vanilla orchids in tropical regions around the world.
Vanilla, the enchanting flavour that graces our desserts is a precious gift from the vanilla orchid, Vanilla planifolia. As an orchid enthusiast, I had the incredible opportunity to visit BDVanilla, a wonderful family owned vanilla orchid plantation on the beautiful island of Mauritius. This journey deepened my appreciation for the only fruiting orchid in the world and revealed the fascinating process of cultivating, pollinating, harvesting, and processing vanilla. Join me as I take you through the magical world of the vanilla orchid.
Our journey began in the lush and tropical landscape of Mauritius, where vanilla orchids thrive in the ideal climate. The gracious owner, who was kind enough to guide us through every aspect of cultivation, added an extra layer of warmth to this already magical experience.
The vanilla orchid is a delicate vine that requires careful tending and support. These orchids typically grow on sturdy trees in the wild, providing the necessary shade and support for the vines.
Mauritius, with its rich volcanic soil offers the perfect conditions for vanilla cultivation. The orchids need a humid climate, consistent temperatures, and protection from strong winds. They also require a significant amount of rainfall but should not be waterlogged. Proper care includes regular pruning, so the vines do not become overly dense, allowing for better air circulation and access to sunlight.
One of the most intriguing aspects of vanilla orchid cultivation is the process of pollination. Vanilla orchids possess a remarkable natural mechanism called "hermaphroditism," which means they have both male and female reproductive organs. However, the vanilla flower is self-sterile and requires external intervention for pollination.
In Mauritius, where the native pollinator, the Melipona bee, is absent, manual pollination is crucial. Skilled workers mimic the bee's actions by carefully transferring pollen from the anther to the stigma within each flower. This delicate process requires precision and patience, as the window for successful pollination is limited to just a few hours. The success of this step will determine the quantity and quality of the vanilla beans that will eventually develop.
After successful pollination the vanilla beans, also known as pods, will gradually develop and it takes several months for the pods to mature. During my visit to the plantation, I observed the farmers monitoring the pods closely. They picked the beans once they achieved the ideal length, usually around 6-8 inches and once they change colour from green to yellow.
The precise timing of the harvest is crucial. Picking the beans too early or too late can impact their flavour and aroma. Once harvested, the beans are meticulously sorted by size and quality, and only the finest beans are selected for further processing.
The next stage of the journey is equally captivating. The freshly harvested vanilla beans are neither fragrant nor flavourful. To unlock the vanilla aroma and taste, they must undergo a complex curing process.
The beans are blanched briefly in hot water to stop any further growth and initiate enzymatic processes. Then, they are carefully sun-dried during the day and wrapped in blankets at night for several months. This alternating process of drying and resting allows the beans to develop their distinct aroma and flavour. During this time, the beans will also undergo colour changes, gradually darkening from a greenish-yellow to a rich, dark brown.
Once fully cured, the vanilla beans are sorted again by size and quality, and the best beans are packaged for distribution around the world, where they'll find their way into countless desserts, beverages, and fragrances.
My visit to the vanilla orchid plantation in Mauritius was a truly unforgettable experience. It highlighted the delicate and labour-intensive process of cultivating, pollinating, harvesting, and processing vanilla beans. It also deepened my admiration for the vanilla orchid, the only fruiting orchid in the world and the source of one of the most beloved flavours on Earth. The journey from orchid to pantry is a testament to human ingenuity and nature's wonder, and it is one that will forever enrich our culinary and sensory experiences.