Vanilla Tahitensis , also known as Vanilla x Tahitensis , is a hybrid vanilla variety that awakens the senses and transports the taste buds to exotic lands. We will delve into the fascinating history of this young vanilla, its unique characteristics and its role in global gastronomy.  

Origins and Cultivation

1. Land of Paradise  :

   • Tahitensis vanilla finds its origins on the paradise island of  Tahiti . However, it is now grown in various parts of the globe, including  Papua New Guinea ,  Indonesia , the  Cook Islands  and  Niue .
   • This variety results from a cross between the vanilla plants  Vanilla planifolia  and  Vanilla odorata .

2. Preparation Method  :

   • Tahitensis vanilla stands out for its unique preparation method. It is fertilized by hand, like vanilla planifolia, but it also benefits from a traditional method of refining in the sun in Tahiti in Papua, the tahitensis vanilla pod will undergo scalding. 
   • This combination of attentive care gives it exceptional taste and physical characteristics.

Aromatic and Physical Characteristics

1. Taste  :

   • Tahitensis vanilla is  very fragrant and floral . Its aromas are captivating, with exotic and floral notes. In Tahiti, we are on notes that are going to be anise. In Papua musk and a very floral vanilla. This makes it a rare vanilla.
   • Unlike other varieties, it is  indehiscent , meaning its pods do not open when ripe. They remain fleshy, allowing maximum concentration of aromas and flavors. But the tahitensis variety has a lower level of vanilla than the planifolia. The Bahian variety is the vanilla with the best humidity level. 

2. Physical  :

   • The Tahitensis vanilla pods are  impressive  in size for Tahitian vanilla. They can reach  4 to 5 centimeters in diameter , double or even triple the size of a fragrans vanilla pod.
   • Their water content is higher (40 to 45%) than that of bourbon vanilla (30 to 37%). However, their vanillin level is lower than that of the vanilla planifolia variety. But in Papua with scalding we have a humidity level between 30 and 33%. 
   • To obtain a vanilla scent and aroma,  half a pod of Tahitian vanilla  is enough or 1 tahitensis vanilla from Papua, unlike bourbon vanilla from Madagascar which requires the use of the whole pod.

Rare and Luxurious

1. Low Production  :

   • Tahitensis vanilla is relatively rare, making it a luxurious variety.
   • At the end of 2019, it was sold at  €800 per kilo , demonstrating its strong demand and appeal. For tahitensis vanilla from Papua we are around $150 per kilo. 

2. No “Vanilla Bourbon” Label  :

   • Unlike Madagascar vanilla, Tahitian vanilla is not part of the  “bourbon vanilla” appellation .
   • This label is exclusively reserved for Madagascar, Reunion, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles.

Why you should buy this vanilla

Tahitensis vanilla is much more than just a spice. It is a sensory journey that transports us to distant shores, where exotic perfumes dance on our taste buds. At  Comptoir de Toamasina , we are proud to offer you this rare and delicious variety since 2010. Discover it and let yourself be enchanted!