Dive into the essence of Coco Fine Foods' commitment to quality with our occasional exploration of meticulously sourced ingredients. One of our prized treasures is the Madagascar Vanilla Bean, a luscious and aromatic addition that embodies both craftsmanship and exotic allure. It's a key ingredient in our Raspberry Vanilla Jam.
Here are five intriguing facts about this remarkable spice:
Orchid Bloom Wonder: As the only fruit-bearing member of the Orchid flower family, vanilla carries an inherent elegance that sets it apart in the world of spices.
Island Exclusive: Ranking as the second most expensive spice globally, vanilla boasts a unique connection to Madagascar, particularly the island of Reunion, where a staggering 75% of the world's vanilla is produced.
Nature's Patience: The vanilla journey is one of meticulous patience. The delicate flower that gives birth to the vanilla bean blooms for just one day, and the beans themselves require a minimum of 3 years to grow. Following this intricate cultivation, they undergo a painstaking process of hand-picking, curing, wrapping, and drying, spanning an impressive 4 to 6 months.
Quality Indicators: Distinguishing the best quality vanilla beans involves a sensory exploration. The finest beans are fragrant, with a dark brown or black hue, a glossy appearance, moisture, suppleness, and considerable length.
Valuable Elegance: In today's market, the worth of vanilla beans is as significant as precious metals, with their cost by weight aligning with the value of silver. This subtle reminder underlines the rarity and sophistication encapsulated within every Madagascar Vanilla Bean used in Coco Fine Foods products.
In celebrating the rich heritage and intricate journey of our ingredients, we invite you to savor the unmistakable touch of Madagascar Vanilla Beans in our meticulously crafted offerings.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
We are often asked about one of our lesser-known spices, Grains of Paradise, and how it might be used. Grains of Paradise has an aromatic, complex flavor profile with a combination of warm, spicy, and peppery notes. It's at once peppery, citrusy, floral and earthy with warm, woody notes.
Grains of Paradise, scientifically known as Aframomum melegueta, is captivating, offering more than just a unique flavor. Here are some additional facts about this lesser-known gem: