Madagascar Vanilla
Madagascar and Bourbon Vanilla
While Mexico is the traditional home of vanilla, it eventually spread to other areas of the world. In 1819 the French began cultivating vanilla on Bourbon Island, now called Réunion Island. From Réunion Island vanilla cultivation spread to various islands in the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar. In Madagascar vanilla production really took off, and today Madagascar produces 80% of the worlds vanilla.
Madagascar vanilla goes by many names including the original name Bourbon vanilla (due to its original cultivation on Bourbon Island). You can also find this vanilla under the names: Bourbon vanilla, Bourbon-Madagascar vanilla or Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. In general though, the term "Madagascar vanilla" referse to vanilla grown in the Indian Ocean region.
Madagascar vanilla is considered the crème de la crème of the spice world- and for many vanilla lovers and gourmet chefs, there is no substitute! Madagascar vanilla is available in bottled extract, powder, paste, and whole vanilla beans and can be used in a variety of ways.