After a several month hiatus from writing blogs, I'm back! Previously I promised more about how vanilla beans are processed. Bear in mind that vanilla orchids only bloom once per year. There is about a 6 hour window in which to hand pollinate each orchid bloom. After pollination, it takes 9 months for the beans to form and mature. Because they do not continue to ripen once picked, the beans must remain on the plant until fully mature.

Once picked the beans begin to ferment very quickly. Workers pick the beans and pack them into burlap bags. Then they carry them through the jungle to the selling house. Now processing begins. First the beans are submerged in water between 150 & 170 degrees. This will "kill the bean" & begin the process of releasing vanillin which is where vanilla flavor comes from. As soon as the beans are removed from the water, they are wrapped in wool blankets, then they are stored in dark, air tight containers. This maintains the heat and steam which in turn continues an enzyme release that develops the vanillin. During this time the beans must be kept warm or it's possible mold will grow.

The next step is drying Vanilla beans are laid out in the sun to dry. They will be rotated between shade and sunshine. Moisture content is monitored until it reaches 25-30% moisture. Care must be taken not to over-dry the beans. Workers massage each bean individually by hand to ensure consistent drying is taking place. The next step is to pack the beans into wax lined boxes where they are stored for at least a month to allow the flavor to develop further and to preserve the aroma. Usually the beans are shipped during this time.

Obviously there are a lot of steps in the process, and a lot of hands on time for the beans. This is one of many reasons vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron. The end result when all of the steps go right is wonderful aromatic and delicious vanilla beans.

Thanks for checking out my blog. Check back again for more vanilla fun! If you are interested, I also sell apparell related to vanilla extracting. You can check out my store at https://www.spreadshirt.com/shop/user/vanillaholic/