Vanilla from São Tomé

Vanilla from São Tomé stands out for its high quality and unique characteristics, thanks to the climatic conditions and traditional cultivation methods of the island.

Located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé has a hot and humid tropical climate, ideal for growing vanilla.

Additionally, this island, with its nutrient-rich volcanic soils and impressive biodiversity, creates a perfect environment for this prized spice.

Therefore, local growers carefully preserve the traditions that make this vanilla famous, thus ensuring its quality and authenticity.

Main characteristics of São-Tomé vanilla

• Rich and complex aroma:

Vanilla from São Tomé offers an intense aroma, marked by floral, spicy and sometimes slightly chocolatey or caramelized notes.

Thus, this aromatic blend makes it a preferred choice for chefs and pastry chefs who use it to enhance their creations.

In addition, its complexity makes it an essential ingredient in many recipes.

As a result, it is often used in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a touch of exoticism.

• Delicate flavor:

In addition, it has a sweet and velvety flavor, with a complexity that lingers in the mouth for a long time.

In fact, each pod contains subtle nuances, adding a unique depth to your recipes.

This makes it an essential element for those looking for refined and authentic flavors.

Moreover, its delicate taste goes perfectly with a variety of ingredients.

• Bourbon vanilla:

São Tomé beans, usually of the "bourbon" type, display distinct nuances due to the local terroir.

Moreover, this specificity makes São Tomé vanilla a sought-after product on the international market, attracting gourmets from all over the world.

In this way, it clearly stands out from other vanilla varieties.

Cultivation methods

São Tomé farmers mainly use artisanal and sustainable techniques, while respecting ancient traditions.

Here are some key aspects of their methods:

• Hand pollination:

They pollinate the pods by hand, ensuring optimum quality and attention to detail.

This requires a great deal of expertise, as each pod must be carefully treated.

• Extended maturation

Additionally, they let the pods ripen for a long time to develop their unique aroma, which requires a lot of patience and know-how.

• Sustainable practices:

They also emphasize respect for the environment and local traditions, thus ensuring responsible production.

In fact, these practices help preserve the island's biodiversity.

• Artisanal harvest:

Finally, they harvest the pods by hand to select the ripest ones, thus preserving their quality.

This meticulous approach ensures exceptional vanilla with each harvest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, São Tomé vanilla is not only a tasty ingredient, but also a symbol of artisanal know-how that values ​​the cultural traditions of the island.

Each pod tells a story of passion and respect for nature, offering gourmets an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Therefore, São Tomé vanilla represents the very essence of culinary art, celebrated by lovers of good food around the world.