Tahitian vanilla (Vanille de Tahiti)

Tahitian vanilla is a unique variety of vanilla bean grown primarily in French Polynesia, particularly on the islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora. It comes from the orchid species Vanilla tahitensis, which differs from the more commonly known Vanilla planifolia variety, typically grown in Madagascar and other regions.

Tahitian vanilla is renowned for its distinctive, floral, and fruity aroma, with hints of cherry, anise, and other sweet, complex notes. This unique flavor profile makes it highly prized in gourmet cooking and baking, especially in desserts, pastries, and even in the creation of fine perfumes.

The beans themselves are usually plumper, shorter, and more moist than other types of vanilla, with a soft, pliable texture and a darker color. Grown in small quantities, Tahitian vanilla is rarer and more expensive than other varieties. The beans are hand-pollinated, contributing to their high quality and premium price.

Due to its delicate and complex flavor, Tahitian vanilla is often used in recipes where the vanilla flavor is meant to be prominent, such as in ice creams, custards, creams, and high-end perfumes.