Vanilla: A DEXIA Coordinated Project
During the 18th century, a small percentage of vanilla was produced in Dominica. However, after the collapse of the lime boom in the 1920’s, the vanilla industry grew and reached its peak towards the end of World War II when shipments to the US from Madagascar and the Far East were disrupted.
During that period cocoa was deemed to be the important or potentially important crop on the island. However changes on the international market and the addition of cedar pods to the vanilla beans, the industry lost its momentum.
Vanilla is a crop with great economic and marketing potentials and the climatic conditions in Dominica are favorable for its cultivation. The areas where the crop is being grown are Grand Fond, Woodfordhill, Wesley, Carib Territory, Vieille Case and Penville.
Market Opportunities
DEXIA has been receiving a number of requests for vanilla. Consequently the Agency has sought to locate the farmers who cultivate the crop as well as the pockets of production which exist. Farmers have been very enthusiastic about the possibility of reviving vanilla. As part of the programme to revitalize the industry the farmers will undergo a series of training in the form of lectures and practicals.
Vanilla, with a minimum price of US $120.00, has major potential and if grown commercially, can become a million dollar earner crop in Dominica. The returns from the crop can be very high but the fertilization of the crop is very labor-intensive. With proper management and the necessary capital investment the farmers and the country will benefit immensely from this venture.
The 3 Main Vanilla Varieties
Vanilla Planifolia: One of the primary sources for vanilla flavouring, due to its high vanillin content.
Vanilla Pompana: Less often Cultivated because the flavor it produce is not as well liked today.
Vanilla Tahitensis: It has a more floral vanilla fragrance and is often regarded as inferior.
Commercial Uses of Vanilla
Commercially vanilla can be prepared in three different ways: whole pod, as a powder (ground pods, pure or blended with sugar, starch or other ingredients) and as an extract (used in alcoholic solution).
- Cooking the vanilla pods or adding vanilla extract to the liquid preparation of foods adds great flavor to the food
- A major use is in the flavoring of ice cream
- The essential oil of vanilla are sometimes used in aromatherapy