The aromas of vanilla are an invitation to travel. Indeed, this precious spice has the power to transform our culinary preparations into exquisite delights. But did you know that vanilla’s aromas vary according to its origin? This creates a captivating array of flavors. In this article, we dive deep into the aromatic world of vanilla, exploring its different facets and revealing the families of aromas that characterize it.
Each variety of vanilla has its own aromas

Vanilla comes in three varieties of edible orchid. Vanilla Planifolia, originally from Mexico, is now found in the Indian Ocean. It is known as Bourbon vanilla on Reunion Island, as well as in Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. Vanilla x Tahitensis is mainly grown in French Polynesia and Papua New Guinea. Finally, Pompona or banana vanilla is still mainly reserved for the perfume industry. Each variety has its own specific qualities and aromas. Terroir, cultivation methods and ageing add other aromatic notes. As a result, there’s a wide range of sensory possibilities for flavoring our dishes.

 

Madagascar vanilla: the aromas of Bourbon vanilla

Madagascar, nicknamed the perfume island, is the world’s leading producer of vanilla. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is famous for its intense vanilla aromas. It gives off woody notes of vanillin, camphor and sometimes rum-raisin. What’s more, it seduces the palate with its sweetness and bewitching fragrance. Its aroma is often considered the most characteristic of vanilla. NOROHY selects gourmet vanilla beans with camphor and woody notes. So it’s only natural that we’ve forged strong partnerships with vanilla producers and processors in Mananara and Maroantsetra. These northern regions of Madagascar offer an ideal terroir for the aromatic development of vanilla beans. Order your NOROHY organic Madagascar vanilla beans now to enjoy their typical aromas! We offer a range of packaging options to suit your needs. The tube of 3 Madagascar vanilla beans is ideal for family baking. We also offer store kits so that professionals can offer NOROHY vanilla in their boutiques too… Finally, for pastry chefs, chocolatiers, ice-cream makers and chefs, our Madagascar vanilla beans are available in 125g, 250g and 2.5 kg bundles. NOROHY organic Madagascar vanilla beans range in size from 15 to 23 cm.

Vanille de Tahiti: vanilla x Tahitensis & its flavours

Tahitian vanilla, from the x Tahitensis variety, offers floral aromas. These notes are sometimes reminiscent of frangipani blossom. This vanilla also gives off typical aniseed notes. Its specific fragrance and rarity (less than 0.25% of world production) give it a unique place in the world of vanilla. NOROHY gives you access to this rare vanilla with its original notes. We have chosen to offer you the two main cultivars in Tahiti (there are over 14 in French Polynesia!): Order your Tahitian vanilla beans

  • from 14 to 17 cm in 125g and 250g
  • from 18 to 20 cm in 125g and 250g

on Valrhona-selection.com for professionals… Individuals have a dedicated site here offering a tube of 2 Tahitian vanilla beans!

 

Vanille du Mexique: La mexicaine, original flavours

Mexican vanilla, the original Vanilla Planifolia, gives off woody, spicy aromas with cocoa accents. This variety is one of the oldest. It reveals gourmet notes of dried prunes. It’s a must for lovers of traditional vanilla. However, beyond these distinct origins, we can identify recurring families of vanilla aromas. These families encompass the different facets of this bewitching spice. Find out more about NOROHY Mexican vanilla beans here! NOROHY Mexican vanilla is available in 125g.

Vanilla flavor families

Vanilla aromas

Vanilla aromas are the most emblematic of this spice. They are characterized by sweet, creamy notes, sometimes biscuity or buttery. The palette also extends to vanillin notes, which are woodier and sometimes camphorated. For some, it is reminiscent of tapenade. These notes come essentially from vanillin. This molecule accounts for no more than 2% of the pod’s weight, but is Planifolia’s main aroma. In fact, its aromas are reminiscent of the classic vanilla we all know and love. Vanillin appears during the refining process of vanilla beans. In this case, it’s natural vanillin, as opposed to industrially synthesized vanillin, which is not derived from vanilla.

The floral aromas of vanilla

Some types of vanilla, like Tahitian vanilla, reveal delicate floral aromas. These notes are reminiscent of white flowers or tropical blossoms. Vanilla can also release honeyed, pollen-like aromas. These fragrances add a touch of elegance to your preparations. Floral aromas are often combined with fruity notes, creating a rich sensory experience.

Vanilla aromas: fruity notes

In vanilla, fruity aromas can be reminiscent of both fresh and dried fruit. Mexican vanilla, for example, has notes of prunes. Tahitian vanilla, on the other hand, often evokes notes of bitter almond.

Spicy vanilla aromas

Some consumers prefer the spicy aromas of vanilla. These include cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper. In addition, Mexican vanilla is particularly renowned for its spicy aromas. This can add a unique touch to your recipes.

Vanilla aromas: woody, camphorated or vegetal notes

Vanilla’s woody aromas evoke notes of cedar and softwood, or sometimes more camphoraceous woods. They are more pronounced in varieties such as vanilla Planifolia or, more specifically, Madagascar vanilla, vanille Bourbon. These aromas add depth and complexity to culinary preparations. Other, “greener” vegetal notes can also evoke this aromatic family. These include blackcurrant leaves, green vegetables…

Caramelized or pyrazine aromas

Caramelized aromas include all pyrazine notes. This term includes notes linked to the so-called Maillard reaction. This is the action of toasting a food to caramelize it. We find this in the aromas of popcorn, toast, coffee, caramel or even smokier notes. These are also known as empyreumatic aromas.

Esters & alcoholic notes

The oleoresin present in vanilla gives it more alcoholic ester notes. This evokes notes of rum-raisin. It’s only a short step from the scents of the distillery to those of fermentation and the cellar… In fact, vanilla doesn’t always contain only pleasant notes…

Vanilla's "off" notes

While vanilla evokes sweet aromas, there are times when certain notes, known as “off notes”, become real defects. These include musty, wet earth, cellar or more fermentative vinegar aromas. These notes are often the sign of vanilla alteration.

Sensory evaluation & aromatic profile

NOROHY relies on a panel of experts to create new vanilla-derived products and control the aromatic quality of its vanilla beans. Several times a month, tasters meet to assess the aromatic quality of different batches of vanilla. The aim is to ensure the aromatic conformity of the vanillas, distinguishing between batch and origin. Each panel judge tastes samples, then assesses the intensity of their organoleptic characteristics. Vanilla aromas are among the main criteria analyzed. If the sensory profile deviates too far from the specifications, the batch is rejected.

Aromatic persistence of NOROHY recipes

All our products, including vanilla powder, bean paste, TADOKA and extract, undergo a sensory evaluation. Once the recipe has been developed, ageing tests are carried out to assess its durability. The panel of experts tastes the recipe at regular intervals to ensure its stability and the longevity of its aromas. These tests, combined with bacteriological tests, enable us to determine the maximum consumption date. Finally, our experts regularly taste the entire range to ensure the quality and aromatic richness of each recipe.

 

In conclusion, vanilla’s flavors are as diverse as the varieties and regions it comes from. Each offers a unique taste experience. What’s more, they reveal aromas ranging from classic vanilla notes to floral, fruity, spicy, woody and caramelized accents. When choosing vanilla for your recipes, take these aromas into account to create dishes that will dazzle your taste buds. Vanilla is much more than just a spice: it’s an invitation to an exquisite sensory journey.