Press Release from Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension  Station, Ministry of Agriculture

Taiwan's Vanilla Rising: Cultivating World-Class Sweetness

April 17, 2024

　　Vanilla has long been one of the most classic flavors in desserts, captivating taste buds worldwide with its enchanting aroma. But have you ever tried the unique flavor of Taiwanese vanilla pods? Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (hereinafter TYDARES) is dedicated to developing high-quality cultivation and processing techniques for vanilla pods, enabling Taiwan not only to produce fresh vanilla pod materials but also to process high-quality vanilla products that rival the top international brands. These products have received a three-star honor in international professional flavor assessments. In collaboration with Fu Jen Catholic University, TYDARES has developed the "Vanilla Pod Flavor Wheel" to help consumers understand the flavor profiles of vanilla pods more deeply. Additionally, in partnership with the Agricultural Technology Research Institute( hereinafter ATRI) and The Grand Hotel, they use three-star Taiwanese vanilla pods to create state banquet-level desserts, significantly highlighting the exceptional quality of domestic vanilla pods.

　　TYDARES has stated that the unique sweet flavor of vanilla is irreplaceable by artificial flavors. In the past, Taiwan relied on imported vanilla pods. After over a decade of research and development, as well as extension guidance, the domestic cultivation area has now expanded to over 30 hectares, with a total fresh pod production of about 50-60 tons, expected to reach 80-100 tons in two years. Fresh vanilla pods require processing to fully enjoy their layered aroma. TYDARES continues to invest in processing technology research and assists local growers such as the Sanheyuan Vanilla Garden(三合院香草園) in Xinwu District, Taoyuan, and Dr. Chen Jinchao(陳錦超) in Linbian Township, Pingtung County. Their Taiwanese vanilla pods have earned the three-star "Superior Taste Award" from the International Taste Institute, proving that the quality of Taiwanese vanilla pods is internationally recognized.

　　To rapidly understand the expression of vanilla's aromatic characteristics, TYDARES has collaborated with Professor Lee Chin-sung from the Department of Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management at Fu Jen Catholic University. They have invited internationally certified professional judges and tasters from the cocoa, coffee, wine, baking, and catering sectors, along with vanilla import traders, to conduct professional sensory evaluations. This initiative led to the creation of the first Taiwanese "Vanilla Pod Flavor Wheel," helping the public understand the aromatic characteristics of vanilla. The domestically produced vanilla pods have shown sweet, fruity, and floral top notes in expert sensory evaluations and have surpassed imported materials in terms of richness, overall aroma, and popularity when made into ice cream.

　　Furthermore, TYDARES has systematically researched breeding, cultivation, and processing technologies, combining the ATRI's channel development experience and integrating food selection from The Grand Hotel and expert culinary skills to establish a comprehensive system from research to sales. This integration enhances the application of hotel ingredients, linking researchers, farmers, sales channels, and catering use in a complete industry chain. By transforming internationally acclaimed three-star Taiwanese vanilla pods into state banquet-level desserts, the outstanding quality of domestic vanilla pods is showcased in full splendor.

　　As consumer standards for food safety rise and the demand for more natural food increases, large food companies are also launching products without added artificial flavors, leading to a growing demand for natural vanilla. The Taiwanese vanilla pod industry is emerging, gradually meeting domestic market demands in both quantity and flavor quality. The collaboration between TYDARES and Fu Jen Catholic University in launching the "Vanilla Pod Flavor Wheel" helps consumers deeply understand the flavor profiles of vanilla pods. Moreover, the partnership between TYDARES, ATRI, and The Grand Hotel is enhancing public recognition of the unique "Taiwanese Vanilla Pod," with quality increasingly gaining international recognition, looking forward to becoming a bright new star in the global market.

Contact Information：

Spokesperson and Deputy Director: Yang-Jen Fu, Tel: 03-4768216 ext. 101, Mobile: 0919872010

Crop Improvement Section, Associate Researcher: Chih-Hsin Yeh, Tel: 03-4768216 ext. 221

Agricultural Extension Section: Associate Researcher Shing-Jong Lay, Tel: 03-4768216 ext. 410

Fig. 1. It takes four years to cultivate and mass-produce vanilla pods.

Fig. 2. Fresh vanilla pods do not have a vanilla scent when they are harvested.

Fig. 3. Processed vanilla pods are selected and sorted after processing.

Fig. 4. Processed Vanilla Pods.

Fig. 5. The vanilla pods produced by Chen Jin-chao(陳錦超) in Linbian Township, Pingtung County,
have been awarded the three-star Superior Taste Award by the International Taste Institute.

Fig. 6. The vanilla pods from the Sanheyuan Vanilla Garden(三合院香草園) in Taoyuan City
have been awarded the three-star Superior Taste Award by the International Taste Institute.

Fig. 7. Taiwanese Vanilla Pod Flavor Wheel.