 Refining |
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Refining is carried out in six stages in order to enable us to transform the green pods into refined LAVANY Vanilla in accordance with three very high quality grades: black, brown or red.
Scalding : in the 48 hours following harvest, the green spice is scalded just one in water at a temperature of 65°C for a few seconds. This operation cuts short the vegetal life cycle of the pod.
steam drying : after draining, the pods, wrapped in covers known as ‘gouny’ are packed into wooden crates. The Vanilla cools down to ambient temperature for the next 12 hours. The pod takes on its characteristic chocolate brown colour.
During this totally traditional, non-mechanised process, the harvest reduces by 75%, and as we practice it, the natural dehydration of LAVANY Vanilla is the most essential and delicate step in processing the pod. It is the one and only guarantee of its olfactive and aromatic qualities, as well as of its perfect conservation over several years.
Open air drying : the pods are laid out horizontally on drying racks to dry naturally in the sun. To avoid any fermentation, they are regularly and frequently fanned by hand. Their colour deepens progressively as they dry out, taking on a glossy frosting. A large number of qualified workers is required to carry out this long drawn operation correctly, as it lasts several weeks and is at the mercy of the sunshine. At night the LAVANY Vanilla is stored away from the damp.
Calibration : thoroughly dried, with perfectly developed aromas, the LAVANY Vanilla pods are sorted, measured and calibrated in accordance with quantity. They are bound together in bundles of the same length with just one strand of string or raffia.
Packing into wooden chests : the pods are stored for several months in greaseproof paper. As the aroma develops later on, it becomes more refined during this period. The chests continue to lose water. They are checked every week, and any mouldy pods are removed.
© 2004 Lavany - Sarl LALINE Productions - 1, rue des Camélias
81160 Saint Juéry - France
Tel : 33 (0)5 63 47 77 68 - Fax : 33 (0)5 63 47 76 68 - E-mail : contact@vanillelavany.com