Black tea and vanilla: when opposites attract
Tea: mellow, robust, delicate, light, zesty or smooth. Vanilla: spiced and velvety… Black tea and vanilla are a match made in heaven. As early as 1888, Pavel Mikhailovich Kousmichoff blended them to create Prince Vladimir tea, an exceptional blend based on Earl Grey, vanilla and citrus fruits. Now iconic, this delicious blend of tea and vanilla has stood the test of time. And for good reason: the rich, aromatic intensity of vanilla subtly balances the bitterness of tea. Truly versatile, the most indulgent of spices pairs equally well with Rooibos. This naturally sweet beverage from Africa is enhanced by the captivating scent of vanilla.
Vanilla, a richly aromatic spice
Vanilla owes its distinctive aromatic richness to vanillin. A tiny yet powerful compound, it accounts for only 2% of the vanilla bean! Did you know? Vanillin is perceived solely through the nose. It is the retronasal olfaction process that gives us the perception of a “taste”: if you have a blocked nose, vanilla goes completely unnoticed. We therefore speak of aromas rather than tastes, which are detected by the tongue (sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami).
The aromas and flavours of tea
For its part, tea releases different aromas and flavours, depending on whether it is green, black or white. Take green tea, for instance… Once infused, it reveals a noble bitterness from some of its natural components, such as tannins. Yet green tea also offers a gentle sweetness, thanks notably to its amino acids. Beyond their wonderful taste pairing, vanilla and tea are believed to offer excellent health benefits…
What are the health benefits of vanilla and tea?
Spiced vanilla tea brings together the finest qualities of its two star ingredients. Treat yourself to an indulgent, guilt-free break with a cup of vanilla tea.
The benefits of vanilla
Vanilla is said to have a stimulating effect on the digestive system: ideal after a rich meal, making digestion smoother. Feeling stressed? Vanilla is your best ally: this spice is believed to help ease stress and anxiety. It may also help slow down cellular ageing. It is also said that this spice has aphrodisiac qualities… We’ll let you be the judge of that!
The virtues of tea
Here again, tea is the perfect match for vanilla! It contains polyphenols—compounds with antioxidant properties—which, just like vanilla, act as genuine anti-ageing shields. You now know plenty about the aromas, flavours and benefits of tea and vanilla. But where are these ingredients grown to release their full potential?
Where do tea and vanilla come from?
First cultivated in Latin America, vanilla is today predominantly produced in Madagascar. Native to the Far East, tea is grown across South America, Africa, and around the Black and Caspian Seas.
The origins of vanilla
What is vanilla?
Vanilla is the fruit of a climbing orchid known as the vanilla vine. A member of the orchid family, it is the only orchid cultivated for a purpose other than ornament. The vine produces dark, rod-like pods. These fruits contain a pulp packed with tiny black seeds. After harvesting, the vanilla beans undergo a long and delicate curing process before they can be used in the kitchen. After a year of dedicated craftsmanship, the magic happens! The spice finally reveals its full flavour and aromatic potential.
Where is vanilla grown?
Originating in Mexico, vanilla was later introduced to Réunion Island, then known as Bourbon Island, before being cultivated in Madagascar. Today, the “Red Island” supplies over two-thirds of the world's production each year. The most coveted variety across the globe is none other than Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, renowned for its unique aroma and exceptional curing quality. Did you know? The “Bourbon” name was created in the early 1960s to distinguish vanilla produced in the Indian Ocean (Madagascar, the Comoros, Mayotte, Mauritius and Réunion) from other varieties. The world capital of vanilla is located in the Malagasy region of SAVA, named after its four main towns: Sambava, Antalaha, Vohemar and Andapa. An idyllic region spanning around 25,000 km², it is home to 70% of the island’s primary rainforests!
The origins of tea
How is tea harvested?
The tea leaves you brew come from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). A bud sits at the tip of each shoot, and tea pluckers harvest the leaves just below it. The ultimate quality of the harvest depends on how many leaves are picked alongside the bud. The first harvest of the year takes place in spring. Highly prized, it yields exceptionally flavourful leaves enriched with essential oils accumulated over the winter!
Where is tea grown?
Eurasia, South America, Africa and Asia… The tea plant thrives in warm, humid climates. The ideal weather for a richly aromatic tea? Regular rainfall throughout the year. Altitude also enhances the quality of its leaves. Darjeeling black tea, for example, grows at altitudes between 700 and 1,300 metres. Tea plantations are therefore often found on sloping hillsides. Slopes also encourage natural drainage—perfect for the tea plant, which dislikes standing water! Vanilla tea thus draws its origins from across several continents. This fusion of origins and flavours is ideal enjoyed in the morning to start your day on the right foot!