Harvesting
the Vanilla Pods
Every pod has its moment.
Vanilla pods are not harvested all at once: we regularly walk through the plantation to inspect the pods and pick only those that have reached maturity.
A patient process, guided by nature
How to Recognize a Pod Ready for Harvest
Pods on the same plant do not all ripen at the same time. Each one must therefore be observed carefully and we wait for the signs of maturity before picking it.
When the tip of the pod begins to turn yellow, harvest time is approaching. A pod picked too early will not have developed its full aromatic potential. Too late, and it will begin to split naturally.
Vanilla harvesting in
Several Passes
There is no single harvest day at Hacienda Las Vainillas. For several weeks, we regularly walk through the plantation.
On each pass, some pods are ready to be picked, while others need to remain on the vine for a few more days.
Fewer Pods for
Better Quality
From the pollination stage, we make an initial selection: not every flower is pollinated, to avoid overloading the vanilla plants.
Then, as the pods develop, we continue to monitor each plant. Pods that remain too small or fail to develop properly are removed.
In this way, we produce fewer pods while giving the best ones the ideal conditions in which to develop.
Several Months Before Harvest
After pollination, the vanilla pod develops slowly on the vine. It gradually reaches its full size, then continues to mature for several months.
Harvesting is not done at random: we inspect each pod and wait for the first signs of maturity before picking it. At this stage, it is still green and almost fragrance-free. It will then take several weeks of curing, drying and ageing to develop the aromas we associate with vanilla.
Can You Find the Ripe Pods?
During the harvest season, we invite our visitors to join us in the plantation.
Once you have learned to recognize the signs of maturity, it is your turn to look: which pod is ready to be picked? Which one still needs a few more days on the vine?
And when you have found the right one...
it’s your turn to pick it!
Discover Vanilla With Us
During our “Secrets of Vanilla” tour, we take you into the heart of the plantation to discover this fascinating plant and understand every stage of its cultivation. Depending on the season, you may see the flowers, watch the pollination process, or discover pods as they ripen.
Find out more: