Vanilla beans for pastry
Vanilla beans are an invitation to a journey of taste and smell. This is probably the simplest, most natural form of vanilla. Yet this fruit is the result of a long, meticulous process that requires specific know-how. Their exceptional qualities inspire renowned chefs as well as pastry chefs and home cooks. Let's explore the world of NOROHY together, delving into the origins and varieties of vanilla. Let's also find out how to use the beans, their specific features and our commitments.
“NOROHY vanilla has intense aromas and a high vanillin content: this means less vanillin can be used in recipes. And finally, it’s an organic vanilla that meets this growing consumer demand.”
-
Two varieties of vanilla
Only three varieties of vanilla are edible among the hundreds of orchids in the same family: Planifolia, x Tahitensis and Pompona. NOROHY has selected for you the two main varieties with bewitching aromas. These are vanilla Planifolia and vanilla x Tahitensis. The third, Pompona or banana vanilla, is more often reserved for the perfume industry for its delicacy.
-
3 vanilla origins
Each variety of vanilla grows in a different territory. In fact, Planifolia has become acclimatized to the Indian Ocean islands, particularly Madagascar… However, this variety originated in Mexico, where it still thrives! NOROHY offers Madagascar Planifolia vanilla to private customers in tubes of 3 pods and in 125g and 250g sizes. For the moment, Planifolia vanilla from Mexico is reserved exclusively for professionals. We have also selected a high-quality vanilla x Tahitensis from French Polynesia.
-
Various packaging options
Our vanilla beans are packaged in screw-top glass tubes for long-lasting storage. Little air comes into contact with the beans, preserving their moisture content, aroma and suppleness. The fuller-bodied Tahitian vanilla beans are available in 2-pod packs, while Madagascar vanilla beans come in tubes of 3. For larger packs, reserved for chefs, pastry chefs and chocolatiers, the vanilla beans are vacuum-packed.
Vanilla bean applications for pastry-making
Vanilla beans for pastry are a must-have in the kitchen! Every self-respecting spice cupboard must hide a few beans… Vanilla goes well with many dishes: savory or sweet. On the savory side, it is often paired with white meats, but also with fish and seafood. On the sweet side, vanilla is an ideal ally, especially for dairy-based recipes. These are ideal for infusing, making it easy to flavor your dishes. Chantilly, custard cream, ganache or mousse are all classics that cannot be dissociated from vanilla… We can also mention Saint-Honoré, flan, egg cream, sponge cake, canelés, pie dough, rice pudding, millefeuille, or even vanilla éclair… Admit it, your mouth is already watering, isn’t it?
How many vanilla beans should I use in my recipe?
NOROHY’s “Fundamentals” booklet contains dosage instructions for vanilla beans used in pastry-making. Here, we advocate “Reasonable Indulgence”… fewer ingredients, less fat, less sugar, but still an intense taste. For sensible, tasty and balanced recipes, respect the doses indicated in our recipes.
Characteristics of NOROHY vanilla beans
-
Typical taste and high-quality beans
NOROHY is recognized as THE vanilla for chefs. We owe this recognition to our demanding specifications. We select high-quality, aromatic beans that are characteristic of their terroir. In addition, we don’t buy vanilla beans by trading, but through long-term partnerships with producers. We are in constant contact with our producers and refiners, and visit plantations several times a year. This enables us to guarantee the quality of the beans and their production methods.
-
Organic traceability labelling
At NOROHY, we go beyond quality and flavor, and work towards more socially and environmentally responsible farming practices (agroforestry, diversification, etc.). To achieve this, we carry out direct actions in the field and others with the support of local partners, indirectly. With this in mind, our Madagascar vanilla is organic and 100% traceable to the production village.