There are many herbs in The Renaissance range. Some are essential to any good kitchen, others are exotic and some are special and make up our Premium Collection. Vanilla Bean is an attractive Central American climbing orchid. Under ideal conditions it produces banana like fruit that dry to become Vanilla pods.

Food Style and Partners

Dried Vanilla pods are used to produce the classic Vanilla flavor of desserts and drinks. Ice cream and creamy desserts like panna cotta work best. It partners well with any of the traditional dessert tastes like ginger, almond, cherry and most citrus.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

The pods need to be cured before use and then the beans can be used whole (one bean = 2-3 teaspoons of bought extract) or made in to your own extract. Pods can also be used to make an extract. Unsweetened vanilla has many health benefits and is reputed to reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure whilst also working as an aphrodisiac.

Landscaping/Planting

This is a climbing shrub that likes a warm and moist (but not wet roots) environment. Prefers rich soils in a warm position with natural light and a trellis to climb on. It doesn’t tolerate cold temperatures and likes high humidity. Indoor only in cool areas.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

The flowers need to be hand pollinated in late winter to early spring. The resultant green pods harvested and cured and there are many websites that will give detailed instructions. Give regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed to keep the plant healthy and producing well. Mist regularly especially in dry environments.

Herb Attributes