Madagascar Vanilla

The vanilla orchid is native only to Mexico and relies on a rare black Mexican bee to pollinate naturally. In 1841, a French owned 12-year old slave on Île Bourbon (now Réunion Island) discovered how to hand-pollinate vanilla orchids. Shortly thereafter vanilla plantations were introduced and became commonplace on the island of Madagascar.

The type of vanilla grown on Madagascar and in most other locations is Vanilla planifolia, also known as Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla. About 97% of the world's real vanilla comes from Madagascar. However, an estimated 95% of all vanilla products contains artificial vanilla. The best quality Bourbon Vanilla, also called Black Vanilla, is produced primarily around Antalaha, Sambava, Vohemar and Andapa in the northwest of Madagascar.

In ancient times, vanilla was said to have aphrodisiac effects and help against fever. Although these properties remain scientifically unverified, it is known that vanilla increases levels of catecholamines, including epinephrine, more commonly known as adrenaline. In an in-vitro test, vanilla was able to block quorom sensing in bacteria. In many bacteria, quorum sensing signals function as a switch for virulence in that microbes only become virulent when these signals indicate that they have the numbers to resist the host immune system response. The essential oils of vanilla and vanillin are often used in aromatherapy.

Documentary on Madagascar's vanilla trade

Madagascar: The Chinese vanilla is a half-hour documentary that gives insight into Madagascar's vanilla production and how the trade is being shaped since recent years by an increase in demand from China.

The original French language version, MADAGASCAR Vanille Chinoise, produced in 2014 by WA Productions in cooperation with Public Sénat, can be viewed at http://t.co/nVIz2rkqDy

Google Newsfeed

The Vanishing Vanilla Supply - Food Institute Blog: 30-Apr-2024 07:00
What's The Most Expensive Type Of Vanilla In The World? - MSN: 21-Nov-2024 09:27
Diversifying country of origin is key for vanilla, say suppliers - Food Dive: 06-Jun-2024 07:00
Madagascar: Sourcing Vanilla Sustainably - L'Oreal: 18-Jul-2024 18:41
Madagascar’s Vanilla Sales Plunge 64% on Competition and Market Liberalization - Bloomberg: 22-Aug-2024 07:00
From Pure to Powder To Paste, Here Are the Best Vanilla Extracts - The Spruce Eats: 23-Aug-2024 07:00
This Hydrating Body Oil Gave Me Firm, Glowy Skin for My Sister's Wedding - InStyle: 06-Aug-2024 07:00
This Firming Body Oil Leaves Behind an Irresistible, Long-Lasting Scent & Has Gotten Me So Many Compliments - STYLECASTER: 16-Jul-2024 07:00
The Best Type of Vanilla Extract to Use, According to Baking Pros - Martha Stewart: 08-Sep-2024 07:00
Opinion | This Is How the World’s Favorite Scent Disappears - The New York Times: 04-Aug-2024 07:00
Should vanilla production be stopped? - FoodNavigator.com: 23-Apr-2024 07:00
Ugandan vanilla exporters hail nation’s ability to compete with key Madagascar crops - Confectionery Production: 30-May-2024 07:00
Vanilla is Neither Plain Nor White - substack.com: 08-Apr-2024 07:00
Reviewers Get ‘So Many Compliments’ on the Scent of This Vanilla Body Cream, They’re Saving Money on Perfume - SheKnows: 12-Sep-2024 07:00
Costco Offering Amazing Deal on an ‘Excellent’ Baking Ingredient - Eat This, Not That: 07-Oct-2024 07:00
Madagascar’s Key Vanilla-Producing Region Hit by Cyclone - Bloomberg: 27-Mar-2024 07:00
Shoppers With Crepey Skin & Extreme Dryness Turn to This ‘Delicious & Alluring’ Body Oil ‘When All Else Fails’ - SheKnows: 07-Apr-2024 07:00
Mondelēz’s Chips Ahoy! debuts new recipe for the classic cookie - Food Dive: 21-Mar-2024 07:00
For The Best Store-Brand Vanilla Ice Cream, Skip Trader Joe's And Head To Wegmans - Tasting Table: 01-Jun-2024 07:00
The 'Really Good' Vanilla Ina Garten Uses Is Discounted for Prime Day So Stock Up While You Can - SheKnows: 09-Oct-2024 07:00
MADAGASCAR: vanilla cultivation in the forest threatens 47% of endemic species - AFRIK 21: 04-Jan-2024 08:00
Reviewers Get ‘So Many Compliments' on the Scent of This Vanilla Body Cream, They're Saving Money on Perfume - MSN: 16-Sep-2024 08:26
Symrise helps in Madagascar after Cyclone Gamane - Symrise: 04-May-2024 07:00
EWG's Food Scores just took the work out of grocery shopping for me! - Environmental Working Group: 20-Feb-2024 10:41
Cocoa and Vanilla Prices Are on the Rise: How Businesses Can Navigate the Challenge - Inc.: 04-Apr-2024 07:00
REVIEW: Best Vanilla Ice Cream at Grocery Store, Ranked - Business Insider: 09-Jul-2024 07:00
14 Grown-Up Vanilla Perfumes That Don’t Smell Like a Bakery - ELLE: 13-Sep-2024 07:00
Vanilla prices soar in Madagascar - Africanews English: 13-Aug-2024 07:00
12 Grocery Store-Brand Vanilla Ice Creams, Ranked - Tasting Table: 21-Apr-2024 07:00
The Consensus 7 Best Vanilla Extract Brands For All Your Baking Needs - Study Finds: 18-Mar-2024 07:00
17 Irresistible & Editor-Approved Vanilla Perfumes, Including the Best One for Fall - SheKnows: 17-Oct-2024 07:00
How a 12-year-old boy made vanilla a global spice - BBC.com: 18-Jan-2024 08:00

Madagascar Vanilla

Documentary on Madagascar's vanilla trade

Google Newsfeed

Further information

MadaCamp