Vanilla

VANIGWA: organic vanilla from Cédric Coutellier

Adresse du bénéficiaire

Plessis Nogent
97115 Sainte-Rose
Guadeloupe

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PNG. P-L Delescluse
PNG. P-L Delescluse
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Guadeloupe National Park
VANIGWA: organic vanilla from Cédric Coutellier

Although vanilla cultivation in Guadeloupe declined significantly over the course of the 20th century, today there are passionate men and women, including Cédric Coutellier, who contribute day after day to maintaining this local production and refining know-how.

Cédric Coutellier is one of the driving forces behind the revival of vanilla cultivation, actively involved in the agricultural and rural development of Guadeloupe.

Established on the island since 1998 and working in partnership with the Office National des Forêts (ONF), this enthusiastic grower has perfectly assimilated the techniques of cultivation, fertilization, harvesting and processing. He has gradually established himself as one of Guadeloupe's vanilla-growing experts, and regularly takes part in training courses to pass on the know-how inherent in this subtle crop. The consecration of this recognition came in 2020 at the Salon International de l'Agriculture. On this occasion, Cédric Coutellier presented for the first time his organic vanilla grown in agroforestry on the outskirts of the Guadeloupe National Park at the 129e edition of the Concours Général Agricole, unanimously winning the gold medal in its category (Vanilla Fragans planifolia), dethroning the long-time winners from Réunion.

Cédric Coutellier is one of those professionals committed to the development of sustainable agriculture that respects natural ecosystems. His partnership with the ONF has led him day after day to develop cultivation systems with minimal environmental impact, and to elaborate a product that fits perfectly into the forest ecosystem, favoring natural bio-geochemical cycles. Cédric Coutellier's vanilla is also certified organic. Through his full commitment to this collaboration with the ONF, he intends to defend tropical agroforestry by demonstrating that agriculture can be integrated into pre-existing ecosystems without degrading their natural functioning. This type of farming positions the AB label in another dimension, where no external organic matter is tolerated: the farmer must find solutions within the forest he farms. This way of farming is a new way of looking at agriculture, which helps to enhance local landscapes, forests and the biodiversity they support. The dual agroforestry/organic farming label also guarantees consumers the purchase of a high-quality product, both in terms of taste and the environment.

Cédric Coutellier offers 100% organic vanilla, sold in black pods, processed by scarification. Unlike the "Bourbon technique", the beans are not scalded but scarified after harvesting, before the refining phase begins. This traditional "griffage" technique, practiced exclusively by Guadeloupe producers, preserves the full flavour of this vanilla, distinguishing it from the Indian Ocean vanillas also found in the territory (Madagascan vanilla in particular). Vanillas produced in Guadeloupe are drier than scalded pods, but still of excellent quality.

Cédric Coutellier's agro-forestry operation is based around two vanilla varieties:

  • The most common vanilla : Vanilla planifolia

This is the vanilla used worldwide. In Guadeloupe, it also represents the majority of vanilla production. Analyses of vanillin levels in Vanilla planifolia average around 2.9% in 2019.

  • Vanilla specific to the Americas : Vanilla pompona

This vanilla is known in Guadeloupe as vanillon. Production is very rare, even in Guadeloupe where it is traditional. The pods produced are larger and less fragrant (lower vanillin content). Its aromatic palette differs from that of planifoliawith sweeter notes. It is an extremely rare variety, sought after by connoisseurs and gourmets alike.

Pods and extract for direct sale:

The pods must reach a particular level of humiditybefore being packaged. They need to be matured for at least 6 months after harvesting, so that their moisture content is less than 25%. Once the desired moisture content has been reached, the pods are presented :

  • In bags of 3 for Vanilla planifolia 20 € for 3 pods;

  • In test tubes for Vanilla planifolia 20 € for 2 pods;

  • In test tubes for Vanilla pompona 20 to 40 € per pod, depending on size;

  • Extract of Vanilla planifolia organic; €20.

Contact

Coutellier Cédric
Coutellier Cédric

Plessis Nogent
97115 Sainte-Rose
Guadeloupe

Classifications & labels

Agriculture biologique
Logo Agriculture biologique
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