Our vanilla
The Nona Vanilla Difference
Learn all about the rarity and difficulty of vanilla cultivation. Nona Vanilla is dedicated to exceptional quality and ethical sourcing. Our commitment goes beyond the sale; it's about understanding the entire process, from the root to the bean.
Vanilla's three-year wait
The journey of every vanilla bean begins with patience. Once a cutting is planted, the Vanilla Planifolia vine requires an average of 2 to 3 years of meticulous care simply to reach maturity and produce its first delicate flowers.
The vanilla orchid only blooms for a single day and must be pollinated manually, a process of incredible delicacy and skill.
After successful hand-pollination, the vanilla bean pod needs to grow and mature on the vine for an essential period. It is harvested only when it begins to show the first sign of ripeness, ensuring maximum flavor potential.
"Growing vanilla is not a business for the impatient. From planting the vine to carefully hand-pollinating each flower, and slowly curing each bean to perfection, it's a excercise of patience. Every stage demands our full attention. It's truly a labour of love that mother nature guides, we simply assist."
Khoirul - Nona Vanilla farmer
From green pod to gourmet bean: The curing process
The vanilla bean has no flavor when harvested. The long, multi-stage curing process is what develops the signature substance called vanillin.
- Heating: The first step to stop vegetation and possible molding, often using sun exposure or hot water.
- The Flavor Lock: The beans are wrapped and kept warm to promote the enzymatic fermentation process, which converts non-aromatic compounds into vanillin.
- Drying: A slow process of sun-drying and shade-drying to reduce the moisture content to the ideal level of 30-35%. This is crucial for preservation, grading and quality optimization.
What is grade A gourmet Vanilla
The grading system ensures quality and consistency. The Grade A Gourmet qualification is the gold standard for chefs, extractors, bakers, and home chefs.
Key Criteria for Grade A
- Moisture Content: Typically between 25%–35%, making the bean pliable, soft, and moist.
- Appearance: The beans must be dark, plump, oily, and have a rich sheen.
- Length: 18-20 cm
- Aroma: Rich, full, and complex, without any off-notes.
Ready to Order?
Or contact us today to discuss your tailor-made wholesale needs or to request a sample of our Gourmet Grade A vanilla beans.