Processing vanilla beans into vanilla pods, vanilla crush, and vanilla powder involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:
Vanilla beans are harvested from the vanilla orchid plant when they are fully matured. The beans need to be picked at the right time to ensure the best quality and flavor.
After harvesting, the vanilla beans are quickly blanched in hot water to stop any further growth and initiate the enzymatic reactions that develop the characteristic vanilla flavor.
The blanched vanilla beans are wrapped in blankets or towels and placed in a wooden box. This process, known as sweating, helps to further develop the vanilla flavor by allowing the beans to undergo fermentation and oxidation.
The vanilla beans are then spread out in the sun during the day and kept in wooden boxes at night. This drying process helps to reduce the moisture content and further develop the aroma of the vanilla beans.
Once the beans are dried, they are sorted and graded based on their size, appearance, and overall quality. The best quality beans are typically used for premium products, while lower-grade beans may be used for extracts and powders.
Now, let’s see how each product is derived from the processed vanilla beans :
Vanilla powder is made by grinding dried vanilla beans into a fine powder.
The whole vanilla beans, also known as vanilla pods, are the most premium and sought-after form of vanilla.
Vanilla crush is made by crushing or grinding vanilla pods into a thick, concentrated paste.