You’ve bought some beautiful, fleshy vanilla beans, but one of them has gone mouldy. Are you wondering whether it’s still edible or whether its organoleptic qualities have been altered? Can you keep the rest of the batch too? NOROHY, the bold and committed vanilla specialist, answers your questions. Let’s find out together what causes mold, how to avoid it and what to do with a moldy vanilla pod.

White spots on vanilla: is it a mouldy vanilla pod?

You notice small white spots on your vanilla pods and think it’s mold… Keep your eyes peeled to avoid confusing mold with crystals! Vanilla can frost when its vanillin content is particularly high. Small crystals or filaments then appear on the surface. To distinguish mold from these crystals, simply observe the pods in the light. If you see bright reflections, these are crystals and not mold. This is a sign of quality. You can then enjoy your vanilla with relish.

But it can also be mold… Let’s find out how mold appears.

Limit the risk of mold growth through preparation

At NOROHY, we take great care to limit the risk of mold as early as the vanilla preparation stage. In fact, the care taken during the transformation of the green vanilla pod into spice is essential to its preservation. That’s why our preparers carefully massage each vanilla pod. This action distributes the vanilla beans evenly throughout the pod, from the heel to the butt. In this way, the vanillin present in the pod prevents mildew and preserves the precious aroma.

Why does vanilla go mouldy?

To understand why vanilla goes mouldy, it’s essential to know the storage conditions. Mould develops in the presence of humidity. After ripening, vanilla beans still contain a high level of moisture, which partly ensures their suppleness. Vanilla x Tahitensis beans have a moisture content of 45-60%, while Madagascar beans have a moisture content of 32-40%. This makes them particularly vulnerable to mildew if storage conditions are not respected. High humidity and heat are major risk factors. So, to avoid mold, it’s crucial to store and handle pods properly.

Naturally, Planifolia vanilla beans contain vanillin. This molecule, which gives the spice its highly prized aromas, has antifungal properties. In this way, vanilla protects itself from mold. However, the preparation of vanilla following its cultivation is essential to prevent the risk of mold.

How to prevent mildew on vanilla beans?

Preventing the risk of mildew through vanilla preparation and refining

The best way to prevent the risk of mildew is to harvest the beans when they are fully ripe. This ensures optimum vanillin levels and naturally protects the beans.

Vanilla processors also play a key role in preventing pod mold. In fact, it’s estimated that they handle each pod over fifty times! In Madagascar, pod massaging is a key factor in mold prevention. In fact, vanilla beans mould mainly at the ends, where there is less vanillin. So, by massaging the pods, the vanilla is evenly distributed throughout the pod, reducing the risk of mold growth.

Drying and refining vanilla beans are also essential steps. Too dry, and the beans risk becoming sunburnt and brittle… Too damp, and the risk of mildew increases.

Store vanilla beans properly to avoid any risk of mould.

To avoid a moldy vanilla pod, it’s essential to follow a few simple rules. First, store your vanilla beans in a cool, dry place. An airtight glass tube or jar is ideal for storing them.

Next, you can wrap your vanilla beans in greaseproof paper before placing them in the jar. This will help reduce humidity and protect the beans. Be careful, though, that the paper doesn’t give your beans a parasitic taste! You need an odorless paper…

In addition, inspect your vanilla beans regularly for the appearance of mould. If you notice a slight white mould, wipe it off immediately and ideally remove the mouldy part. Regular inspection can detect problems at an early stage, preventing mold from spreading throughout the batch.

Is a mouldy vanilla pod still edible?

Is it safe to eat a moldy vanilla bean? If the mold is white, very small and superficial, it’s probably harmless. In this case, gently wipe the pod with a clean, dry cloth, then remove the moldy part. This may, however, alter its organoleptic qualities.

To be on the safe side, don’t throw the pod away if the mold is already well developed. Do not attempt to clean a severely moldy pod, as mycotoxins can penetrate deep into the pod.

Remove the moldy pod(s) from the batch, and carefully clean the storage container. Then dry it thoroughly before putting your healthy pods back in. Monitor regularly to see if other molds appear.

Mildew on vanilla beans is a common problem that can be countered with a few simple preventive storage measures. However, this only applies to carefully prepared and refined beans. By following good storage practices and regularly inspecting your pods, you can prevent the appearance of mold. If mold does appear, be careful. Don’t hesitate to discard severely moldy pods to avoid any risk to your health or that of your guests or customers. With these tips, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the aroma for exquisite culinary creations.