Description
Vanilla, a member of the orchid family is
a climbing monocot possessing a stout, succulent
stem; short petioled, oblong leaves; about
20 cm long. The inflorescence is a raceme
with 20 or more flowers. Flowers are 6 cm
long, 2.5 cm wide, either yellowish green
or white. Fruit popularly known as ‘beans’
or ‘pod’ is a capsule, nearly
cylindrical and about 20 cm long.
Origin
and Distribution
It is a native of Atlantic Coast from Mexico
to Brazil. The important vanilla producing
countries are Madagascar, Mexico, Tahiti,
Malagasy Republic, Comoro, Reunion, Indonesia,
Seychelles and India.
Vanilla thrives well from
the sea level up to 1000 meter MSL., under
hot, moist, tropical climate with adequate
well-distributed rainfall. Natural growth
is obtained at latitudes, 15 degree North
and 20 degree South of the equator. The
optimum temperature ranges from 21-32 degree
C and rainfall 2000-2500 mm annually. Dry
period of about 2 months is needed to restrict
vegetative growth and induce flowering.
It grows best in light, porous and friable
soils with pH. 6-7. Partial shade is essential
for successful cultivation.
Uses Vanilla is used mainly as a flavouring
material; a critical intermediary in a host
of pharmaceutical products and as a subtle
component of perfumes. As a flavouring agent,
it is used in the preparation of ice creams,
milk, beverages, candies, confectionaries
and various bakery items.
Botanical name
Family name
Vanilla
planifolia Andrews (V.fragrans salisb.)
Orchidaceae
Name
in international language
Spanish
: Vainilla
French
: Vanille
German
: Vanille
Swedish
: Vanilj
Arabic
: Wanilla
Dutch
: Vanille
Italian
: Vaniglia
Portuguese
: Baunilia
Russian
: Vanil
Japanese
: Banira
Chinese
: Hsiang - Tsao
Area and Production
The
area of vanilla cultivation in the world
recorded during 1999 was 37,525 ha. with
production 4403 tonnes. The major vanilla
producing countries are Madagascar, Indonesia,
Mexico. Comoros and Reunion.
In India, vanilla cultivation is gaining
in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu since
early 1990s. The area under cultivation
at present is about 1000 ha, of which about
30% has started giving yield. The present
production of processed vanilla is estimated
to be around 6-8 tonnes annually in India.
Market
The
aggregate global demand for vanilla is estimated
at about 4500 mts a year. The countries,
USA, France, UK and Germany account for
60% of world imports, the USA absorbing
more than 30%, France, UK and Germany around
10%. These 3 countries are also major re-exporters
of both vanilla beans and processed vanilla
products.
Quality
Product
Four major types
of vanilla beans are distinguished in the
world market.
»
The Bourbon Vanilla (grown in
Madagascar, Camoros and Reunion).
»
The Java Vanilla (grown in the
island Java in Indonesia).
»
The Bourbon-like Vanilla (grown
in the island Bali in Indonesia).
»
Mexican Vanilla (grown mainly
in Mexico).
They differ in
flavour and organoleptic properties as a result
of growing conditions, harvesting and curing
process. The Bourbon vanilla ranks tops in
quality terms with following specifications
:
Colour : Dark
Brown to Black shining Red/Brownish to dark
Brawn. Quality: Whole, Split Aspect : Oily, Sapple Length
: 10cm upto 12 cms: low grade
13 cms
upto 22 cms: Standard
Above
22 cms : Top grade
...............Cuts
- Chopped according to buyer demand. Vanillin Content : 1.8% to 2.4% Moisture Content : 16% to 28%
In India Vanilla is predominantly
grown by small and marginal growers in their
fields interplanting with other crops. It
is grown largely in organic situations though
not certified.
