Vanilla paste is a refined product, cherished by chefs and pastry chefs around the world for its authentic flavor and practicality in the kitchen. Made from carefully selected vanilla beans, this thick and concentrated paste holds the full aromatic potential of vanilla, capturing the floral, sweet, and subtly woody notes that define this precious spice. Unlike liquid vanilla extract, vanilla paste contains more seeds, making it perfect for showcasing vanilla in recipes where its visual appearance is important, such as creams, ice creams, and glazes.

The production of vanilla paste is a meticulous process that begins with the harvesting of vanilla beans. These beans, sourced from our vanilla plantations primarily in Indonesia, are picked at peak ripeness, when their aroma is at its fullest. After harvesting, the beans undergo a series of steps to release their full aromatic potential.

1. Harvesting and Selection: The vanilla beans are carefully selected for their exceptional quality. Indonesian vanilla beans are renowned for their sweet and creamy flavor, while those from Madagascar bring spicier and more intense notes.
2. Fermentation: The beans are then fermented to develop their characteristic aroma. This process releases the aromatic compounds present in the vanilla, transforming the beans into true flavor concentrates.
3. Extraction and Grinding: After fermentation, the beans are ground to extract all their flavor. The vanilla seeds are preserved during this process, giving the paste its unique texture and small black particles, which are signs of its purity.
4. Transformation into Paste: The final step is to mix the ground vanilla extract with a natural thickening agent, often glucose syrup, to create a smooth paste. This mixture ensures a high concentration of vanilla, providing an incomparable aromatic intensity.

Vanilla paste is an extremely versatile ingredient that fits into a wide range of recipes, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. Here are some of the most common uses of vanilla paste in cooking:

Pastry: Vanilla paste is perfect for flavoring cakes, cookies, and creams. Its intense flavor and smooth texture blend perfectly with cake batters, shortcrust pastry, or pastry creams, adding a rich and balanced taste.

Desserts: Use vanilla paste to enhance your frozen desserts, mousses, panna cotta, or macarons. It brings an incomparable aromatic depth, accentuating the sweet and creamy notes of your creations.

Beverages: Vanilla paste can be incorporated into both hot and cold drinks, such as lattes, milkshakes, or cocktails. Just a small amount is enough to turn an ordinary drink into a gourmet experience.

Sauces and Marinades: In sweet sauces or dessert marinades, vanilla paste adds a unique aromatic dimension. It pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, pancakes, or tarts.

Although vanilla paste and liquid vanilla extract share similarities in flavor and usage, they have notable differences that can influence the choice of ingredient depending on the recipe.

Concentration and Texture: Vanilla paste is more concentrated than liquid vanilla extract. It not only contains pure extract but also vanilla beans and a thickening agent, giving it a dense texture and a more intense flavor.

Vanilla Beans: One of the key features of vanilla paste is the presence of vanilla beans, which add not only a visual touch but also an additional aromatic intensity. The vanilla beans disperse throughout the paste, imparting subtle notes and a pleasant texture. In contrast, liquid extract doesn’t contain any beans and offers a more uniform aroma.

Usage in Cooking: Vanilla paste is often preferred in recipes where texture and appearance are important, such as in creams, ice creams, or pastries where the vanilla beans add an aesthetic touch. Liquid vanilla extract is ideal for recipes where you want to infuse vanilla flavor without changing the texture, such as in sauces, drinks, or marinades.

Dosage: Since vanilla paste is more concentrated, a smaller quantity is needed to achieve an intense flavor. For example, one teaspoon of vanilla paste can replace one tablespoon of liquid vanilla extract.

At Origine, we are committed to providing you with exceptional products sourced from the finest vanilla from Indonesia. Our vanilla paste is carefully crafted from high-quality vanilla beans, grown with respect for local traditions and the environment. Every step of production, from harvesting to processing, is carried out with great care to preserve the full aromatic richness of the vanilla. Our methods are based on regenerative agriculture principles, promoting soil health and biodiversity while supporting local communities.

Choosing our vanilla paste means opting for a high-quality product, perfect for elevating your finest recipes. Whether you're a professional chef or a passionate home cook, Origine vanilla paste is the ideal ingredient to bring an authentic and indulgent flavor to your creations.

In summary, vanilla paste is a concentrated blend of flavors and aromas, perfect for a wide range of culinary and baking applications. Its intense taste, unique texture, and vanilla beans make it a preferred choice for those seeking a refined and versatile product. Don't wait any longer to explore our collection of vanilla pastes and be inspired by the excellence of our products.