Vanilla

Manuel Gastelbondo, Xingbo Wu, andPamela Moon

Vanilla extract is the primary commercial product resulting from the mature processed fruits of Vanilla plants. This publication is an overview of the process used to produce natural vanilla extract; it also describes the conversion of fruits (botanically termed  "capsules" but often colloquially referred to as “beans” or “pods”) into extracts. This publication is intended for consumers, producers of all levels, and Extension agents. It describes each step of the natural vanilla extract production process from flower pollination through harvesting, to grading, curing, and extracting of the capsules.

Xingbo Wu, Pamela Moon, Alan Chambers, and Jonathan Crane

Vanilla extract is popular around the world as an ingredient in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. The botanical source of vanilla extract is primarily the cured beans of Vanilla planifolia. The United States is the world's largest importer of vanilla beans, but domestic production is minimal. Southern Florida has a favorable growing environment for vanilla cultivation. Though currently there is no commercial production of vanilla in southern Florida, it has the potential to be a highly profitable crop in the future. This publication aims to provide basic information to growers interested in establishing a vanillery.