In Reunion, vanilla has a taste of elsewhere that you won’t find anywhere else.

When we talk about vanilla, we often think of Madagascar or Tahiti.

However, a small island in the heart of the Indian Ocean stands out with an exceptional product: vanilla from Reunion Island. But here, it’s not just about growing a spice. It’s a story of land, people and traditions.

Each pod tells a little about the island, from its volcanic character to the passion of its producers, including know-how passed down for generations.

Vanilla from Reunion Island is a perfect balance between nature and craftsmanship. We are talking about a spice that is not only good. It is alive, vibrant, imbued with the riches of our land and the expert hands that work it.

At each stage of its production, it captures a little of the Reunion soul, until it becomes this aromatic marvel sought after by gourmets around the world.

Are you curious to know why this vanilla is so special? Latitude 21, a luxury hotel in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains , will help you discover this local treasure, a reflection of the excellence and authenticity of our island.

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A volcanic land that enhances vanilla

Vanilla from Reunion Island is not just a spice. It is a treasure grown on an island shaped by volcanoes. Can you imagine pods growing on mineral-rich soil, nourished by an ideal tropical climate? That is exactly what happens here. Our volcanic terroir, unique in the world, gives this vanilla its very particular taste that is found nowhere else.

And this is no coincidence. On the slopes of Piton de la Fournaise, each plantation benefits from perfect exposure and tailor-made rainfall. The result? Pods of unrivaled quality, with a concentration of aromas that makes the greatest chefs dream . Even the soils, full of mineral elements, play their part in this miracle.

As we know, vanilla from Reunion Island is much more than just an agricultural product. It is a heritage, a gift from nature amplified by conditions that are only found here. So yes, each pod tells a little story of our island. And if you want to taste authenticity, this is where it happens.

Ancestral know-how at the service of excellence

For us, producing vanilla from Reunion Island is an art. An art that has been perfected for generations, with precise gestures and total respect for tradition . Have you heard of Edmond Albius? This young slave from Reunion Island changed history with his method of manual pollination . Since then, this technique has remained engraved in our practices, and each stage of production is an ode to this ancestral know-how.

From scalding to drying, each step requires patience and precision . It’s long, it’s demanding, but that’s what makes the magic. And we’re not just talking about taste magic. The SCA Provanille cooperative, for example, brings together passionate producers who are committed to maintaining these traditional methods while innovating to guarantee impeccable quality.

It is not for nothing that vanilla from Reunion Island is recognized as one of the best in the world. Behind each pod, there are expert hands and a story. And we are proud of that.

>>>Also read: The fertilization of vanilla by Edmond Albius

Unique aromas, the signature of Reunion Island

If you have ever smelled or tasted vanilla from Reunion Island, you know what we are talking about. Those floral notes , those subtle touches of caramel and cocoa… No other place can offer such aromatic complexity. But why? It’s all a question of unique conditions .

Our pods are full of vanillin, the magical compound that gives vanilla its inimitable flavor. This is no accident. Between our varied microclimates and our artisanal methods, everything contributes to creating this taste signature. Star chefs are not mistaken: this is THE vanilla to have in your kitchen.

And because we want everyone to benefit from this richness, we are committed to offering a diversity of aromatic profiles . Sweet, powerful, fruity… Whatever your tastes, you will definitely find what you are looking for in Reunion Island vanilla.

The assurance of recognized and protected quality

Vanilla from Reunion Island is not just a question of taste. It is also an official guarantee . Since 2021, our vanilla has proudly carried the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). But what does that mean? That each pod, from the field to your plate, respects strict criteria of quality and origin.

Here, we don’t cheat. We cultivate, we transform, we refine. Everything happens on the island, under the eyes of passionate producers . The PGI is the recognition of hard work, of a commitment to authenticity. And for you, it is the assurance of an exceptional product .

Traceability is total. You know where each pod comes from, how it was grown, and by whom. Around 4.5 tons of dried vanilla leave Reunion Island each year, ready to conquer the taste buds of the whole world. And each gram tells a story, that of our island, our land, and our passion.

>>> I contact Latitude 21 to live a unique experience in Reunion