Where does vanilla come from?
Originally from Central America and Mexico, vanilla is grown in Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, in regions such as India, Madagascar, the Comoros, Tahiti and Indonesia, each with its own unique flavour, aroma and colour.
How has vanilla consumption evolved?
Vanilla consumption has risen sharply as a result of its growing popularity as a food ingredient and fragrance, incorporated into a variety of products such as baked goods, dairy products, drinks and perfumes.
What microbiological infections can occur if vanilla is handled and stored incorrectly?
If vanilla is not properly handled and stored, it can be contaminated by various pathogens such as :
- Bacteria: Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus can survive on the surface of vanilla, causing infections.
- Molds: Moulds such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger produce toxins that are harmful to health.
- Yeasts: Candida, for example, can develop on vanilla stored in a humid environment, leading to infections.
Ingestion of pathogens can cause gastroenteritis, respiratory and skin infections, and other health problems. Hence the importance of proper precautions in handling and storage.
What industrial pasteurisation treatment preserves intrinsic qualities while eliminating contamination?
Steam pasteurisation, a common industrial technique for treating contamination while preserving qualities, exposes the product to high temperatures, generally between 95°C and 115°C, to eliminate pathogens.
The duration of pasteurisation, which depends on the temperature and the sensitivity of the pathogens, can last several minutes. Although effective in minimising the risk of infection, it can slightly alter quality, affecting vanillin content, flavour and colour.
It is therefore crucial to work with a qualified supplier who uses best practice to guarantee the quality and safety of the vanilla.
Why choose Steripure?
Thanks to its expertise (washing, brushing, drying pod by pod) coupled with its innovative technology (saturated steam injection), Steripure provides effective treatment against severe mould while guaranteeing all its organoleptic qualities.
