What are the common forms & cuts of vanilla?

The primary regions for vanilla cultivation in Madagascar :

Major Vanilla-Producing Regions: The primary regions in Madagascar known for vanilla cultivation include Sava (Sambava, Antalaha, Vohémar, and Andapa), Analanjirofo, Diana, and Sofia.

Varieties: The two main types of vanilla exported from Madagascar are Bourbon vanilla and Tahitian vanilla, with Bourbon vanilla being the most prominent and sought after.

Quality and Flavor: Madagascar vanilla is renowned for its high quality, rich flavor, and aromatic properties. It is often considered one of the finest vanilla varieties globally.

Major regions & Seasonality : 

Harvest Season: The main vanilla harvesting season in the Sava region typically begins around June or July and extends through November or December.

Peak Harvest: The peak of the vanilla harvest often occurs in August and September.

Curing Process: After harvesting, the vanilla beans undergo a curing process that can take several months, extending into the following year.

2. Analanjirofo Region:

Harvest Season: Similar to the Sava region, the vanilla harvest in Analanjirofo begins around June or July and continues until November or December.

Peak Harvest: The peak harvest months are typically August and September.

Curing Process: The curing process follows the harvest, and the cured beans are then prepared for export.

3. Diana Region:

Harvest Season: The vanilla harvest in the Diana region aligns with the general seasonality in Madagascar, starting around June or July and concluding in November or December.

Peak Harvest: August and September are often the peak months for vanilla harvesting in Diana.

Curing Process: Curing is a crucial step, and the processed beans are readied for market distribution.

4. Sofia Region:

Harvest Season: Vanilla cultivation in the Sofia region follows a similar seasonality pattern, with harvesting starting in June or July and lasting until November or December.

Peak Harvest: The peak harvest months are typically August and September.

Curing Process: Curing is performed to develop the unique flavor and aroma of the vanilla beans.

It's important to note that these timelines are general estimates, and actual harvest dates can be influenced by various factors, including weather conditions and agricultural practices. Additionally, the curing process, which involves several months of drying and conditioning, extends the timeline from harvest to market availability.

Vanilla cultivation is a labor-intensive process, and the seasonality is crucial for determining when farmers can harvest and process the beans for export, contributing to the global vanilla market.

Whole or ground natural vanilla, used as a spice/ Fragrance . Vanilla is most commonly traded in pods (i.e. beans), but the vanilla powder can also be found on the market.

Vanilla extract, used as a flavor in the food industry and as a fragrance in the cosmetics industry.