Vanilla opens several registers. At ANTOKALY, Planifolia, Tahitensis and Pompona carry three directions, which the terroir, the preparation and the maturation then nuance. These three species also cross with one another, at the Ambohitsara vanilla station, since 1944.
Planifolia: the founding depth
Planifolia is the founding species of Madagascar and the pastry vanilla par excellence. It gives fleshy, dense pods, always rich in vanillin, on an intense, woody and cocoa-toned base. The terroir then signs the accent, on profiles able to carry chocolate, long infusions and preparations that call for structure.
Depending on the terroir and the maturation, it can evoke cocoa, dry wood, butter, rum raisin, hazelnut or a naturally roasted note. Its strength lies in its intensity and its ability to carry a creation.
Tahitensis: floral finesse
The Tahitensis worked in Madagascar belongs to the island's rare expressions. It always carries a floral and aniseed thread, sometimes fruity or caramel, more rarely woody or cocoa-toned, with a gentleness that opens delicate pairings: creams, fruits, dairy desserts, brief infusions, compositions where vanilla brings light.
Some lots can evoke cooked fruits, honey, caramel or aniseed. The choice is always made according to the result sought. Tahitensis opens a direction of its own.
Pompona: singularity
Pompona belongs to the rarer registers. It opens a singular expression, sometimes floral, fruity, spicy, coumarinic, animalic or black olive depending on the origin and the maturation.
It is worked with precision, often for a marked signature. It is an interesting variety when a Maison is looking for a singular aromatic path.
The three varieties side by side
| Variety | Direction | Frequent notes |
|---|---|---|
| Planifolia | Founding depth | Intense and woody always, then cocoa, butter, rum raisin, hazelnut, naturally roasted note |
| Tahitensis | Floral finesse | Flowers and aniseed, then cooked fruits, honey, caramel, more rarely wood or cocoa |
| Pompona | Singularity | Spice, coumarin, animalic note, black olive, sometimes floral or fruity |
The common thread
Each variety receives its real signature from the terroir, the harvest maturity, the preparation and the maturation.
Orienting the selection
For an intense, woody and cocoa base, Planifolia is the reference of pastry. For a floral and aniseed profile, Tahitensis brings openness and finesse. For a creation with character, Pompona allows a step out of the classic register.
The final choice depends on the recipe: chocolate, cream, ice cream, fruit, infusion, maceration or sweet-savoury pairing. Tasting in real use gives a direct, reliable assessment.
A palette of signatures
These varieties compose a palette. The useful question becomes that of the aromatic direction: depth, floral notes, roundness, singularity, persistence or length.
These three varieties all belong to the aromatic branch of the genus Vanilla. The route of Planifolia to Madagascar is retraced in how vanilla reached Madagascar. The 9 indigenous species of the island, from another branch, are described in the wild vanillas of Madagascar.
To visualise these families, browse the varieties and terroirs page.
Professional reference
Connect the reference to the actual material: touch, scent, infusion and intended use together form a complete reading.
Frequently asked questions
How to tell the three varieties apart?
Madagascar Planifolia is the pastry vanilla par excellence. It gives fleshy, dense pods, always rich in vanillin, on an intense, woody and cocoa-toned base that the terroir then nuances. Tahitensis always carries a floral and aniseed weave, sometimes fruity or caramel, more rarely woody or cocoa-toned. Pompona opens a singular expression, sometimes spiced, coumarin-like or black olive depending on origin and maturation.
Does variety guide use?
Variety orients the first choice. For an intense, woody and cocoa base, Planifolia is the reference of pastry. For a floral and aniseed reading, Tahitensis brings finesse and openness. For a creation with character, Pompona steps outside the classic register. Infusion confirms.