Where are Vanilla pods from, you might ask? There are three main types of Vanilla that are produced commercially. This includes Vanilla Planifolia grown in Madagascar, Vanilla Tahitens is grown in the South Pacific and Vanilla Pompona found in the West Indies, Central America and South America.
The majority of the World’s Vanilla is Vanilla Planifolia. Due to its high Vanillin content, it is the most commonly used Vanilla in extract production.
Vanillin is the primary compound that gives us the familiar aroma and flavour that we all associate with vanilla.