{"id":24590,"date":"2014-05-28T12:31:48","date_gmt":"2014-05-28T10:31:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escale-bleue.fr\/quest-ce-que-la-vanille-bleue\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T18:43:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T16:43:16","slug":"quest-ce-que-la-vanille-bleue","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/escale-bleue.fr\/en\/quest-ce-que-la-vanille-bleue\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Vanille Bleue?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Escale Bleue presents<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Vanille Bleue<\/h2>\n<\/div>

Vanille Bleue is the world’s first patented<\/strong> vanilla pod, created by Escale Bleue in Saint-Philippe (La R\u00e9union).<\/p>\n

Born from 20 years of R&D, it is 100% edible, awarded<\/strong> by the greatest chefs, and honored with the Diamond Taste Award 2024<\/strong>\u2014the highest international taste distinction.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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<\/i>Discover the shop<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\"Gousses<\/span><\/div>
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WHY VANILLE BLEUE IS UNIQUE<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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100% edible<\/h4>\n

Unlike overly dried pods, Vanille Bleue can be eaten entirely, including its outer layer, cooked or raw. Scrape it, infuse it, or slice it into thin strips directly into your dishes. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Awarded by 120+ chefs<\/h4>\n

Every year since 2016, Vanille Bleue has been awarded the highest taste rating by a jury of award-winning or Michelin-starred chefs from Europe’s most prestigious gastronomic associations.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Improves with time<\/h4>\n

Like a vintage, its aroma continues to evolve and improve. Over 10 years of storage in an airtight glass jar, away from heat and sunlight. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"Gousses<\/span><\/div>
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Craftsmanship<\/p>\n<\/div>

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An exceptional product<\/h2>\n<\/div>

Primarily from the Planifolia species, Vanille Bleue stands out for its finesse<\/strong>, its smoothness<\/strong>, and a visual appearance that places it among the world’s most beautiful vanillas.<\/p>\n

Thanks to a patented preparation process, it is neither blanched nor dehydrated. It thus retains its shape, its natural biological properties, and develops a more intense aroma with enhanced taste characteristics. <\/p>\n

Above all, Vanille Bleue was designed to prevent waste: it is entirely edible<\/strong>, including its outer layer. Scrape it, infuse it, or slice it into fine pieces that will elevate your creations. <\/p>\n

Discover our Vanille Bleue recipes \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Tradition & Innovation<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Between tradition and innovation<\/h2>\n<\/div>

The vanilla is grown locally in undergrowth<\/strong>, in a completely natural environment, without the use of chemicals. The pods are harvested as late as possible, after 9 months minimum<\/strong>, to preserve their maximum aromatic potential. <\/p>\n

This is followed by a long and meticulous curing process of 2 to 3 years<\/strong>. More than 1,500 hours of work<\/strong> are required to produce one kilogram of Vanille Bleue\u2014three times more intensive than for conventional vanilla. <\/p>\n

Escale Bleue holds the world’s first patent<\/strong> on vanilla pod preparation, establishing a new way of preparing them, contrary to the prevailing practices of the time. A process conceived and developed by Nicole Leichnig<\/strong>, co-founder of Escale Bleue, the result of over 20 years of research and unwavering passion for vanilla. <\/p>\n

Visit our workshop in Saint-Philippe<\/a> to discover the stages of this beautiful spice that is vanilla, from pollination to curing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\"Affinage<\/span><\/div>
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Recognized excellence<\/p>\n<\/div>

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From the Wild South to the \u00c9lys\u00e9e Palace<\/h2>\n<\/div>

Born in the undergrowth of La R\u00e9union’s Wild South, Vanille Bleue<\/strong> has won over the most discerning palates in France and Europe. In one decade, it has accumulated the highest international taste distinctions, obtained the Living Heritage Company<\/strong> label awarded by the Ministry of Economy, and received the prestigious Diamond Taste Award<\/strong> in Brussels. <\/p>\n

The pinnacle of this journey: in November 2025, Vanille Bleue<\/strong> was selected as the sole representative of La R\u00e9union<\/strong> at the Great Made in France Exhibition, at the \u00c9lys\u00e9e Palace<\/strong>. One product per region, chosen by a jury chaired by Pierre Herm\u00e9<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Discover all our distinctions \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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THEY HAVE CREATED WONDERS
\nWITH VANILLE BLEUE<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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The company supplies over 120 Michelin stars as well as the greatest names in French pastry.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Paul Bocuse<\/a>
\nAnne-Sophie Pic
\nYann Couvreur<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Maxime Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric<\/a>
\nPierre Marcolini<\/a>
\nJulien Dugourd<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Louis Vuitton
\nLadur\u00e9e<\/a>
\nFauchon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Roger Van Damme
\nPeninsula Paris<\/a>
\nMandarin Oriental<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Le Negresco Nice
\nCheval Blanc Paris
\nLa Maison du Chocolat<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\"B\u00fbche<\/span><\/div>

\u00a9 Yann Couvreur<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"\u0152uf<\/span><\/div>

\u00a9 Peninsula Paris<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"B\u00fbche<\/span><\/div>

\u00a9 Fauchon Paris<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"Tartelette<\/span><\/div>

\u00a9 Julien Dugourd<\/p>\n<\/div>

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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<\/i><\/i><\/span>What is the best type of vanilla?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
\nEach species has its own aromatic signature and particular characteristics. Our Vanille Bleue, primarily from the Planifolia species, stands out for both its finesse and smoothness, as well as its visual appearance that places it among the most beautiful vanillas. It also benefits from a range of unique characteristics.<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What surprises does Vanille Bleue hold?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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100% edible:<\/strong> Vanille Bleue can be eaten entirely, including its outer layer.<\/p>\n

Enhanced culinary efficiency:<\/strong> its preserved biological properties offer superior aromatic intensity.<\/p>\n

Vanilla sugar “at will”:<\/strong> placed in sugar, the pod flavors it without drying out and can be reused many times.<\/p>\n

A unique smoothness in alcohol:<\/strong> due to the complexity of its preserved biological elements, it offers exceptional smoothness when infused.<\/p>\n

An evolving aroma:<\/strong> the aroma continues to improve over time, like a vintage.<\/p>\n

Easy and long-lasting storage:<\/strong> over 10 years in airtight glass jars.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is your vanilla fresh vanilla?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
\nNo, our vanilla is a finished product that has undergone 1 to 2 years of drying and preparation. Unlike so-called “fresh” vanilla, which generally refers to simply blanched and unprepared vanilla, resold in less than a week.<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Do you use chemicals?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
\nEscale Bleue respects the soul of each plant and pampers its pods like precious newborns. Our Vanille Bleue is free from any chemicals, additives, or preservatives.<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What are the production stages?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
\nVanille Bleue follows extremely strict quality standards. The green pods are produced locally in undergrowth, in a completely natural environment. They are harvested as late as possible to preserve maximum aromatic potential. This is followed by a specific transformation process unique to Escale Bleue’s expertise that will last 1 to 2 years.<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>How to use the pods?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
\nYou can split the pod to scrape out the seeds. But Vanille Bleue also has the unique feature of being entirely edible, including its outer layer. Cut it into thin strips and incorporate them directly into your preparations for additional vanilla flavor.<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>How long do the pods keep?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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We are legally required to indicate a best-before date of 1 year. But specialists know that good vanilla can be stored for over 10 years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>How to store the pods?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
Place them in an airtight glass jar or tube. Do not leave them in open plastic. Do not refrigerate. Store them in a dry place away from sunlight. In case of moisture, gently wipe the pods and container.<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Where does the name Vanille Bleue come from?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Blue is the sea, the sky\u2014it is life. Vanille Bleue bears this name because it is alive: where other vanillas are blanched and fixed, it retains all its biological richness, continues to evolve, to improve over time. A pod that breathes, that matures like a vintage. Preserving life rather than extinguishing it\u2014that is the entire philosophy of Escale Bleue. Since the concept and specifications differ from those of Bourbon vanilla, it was the perfect name for this vanilla.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What size and weight for a pod?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
\nA Vanille Bleue pod has an average weight of approximately 8g for an average size of 16-18 cm.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Ready to discover Vanille Bleue?<\/h3>\n

Pods, extract, tea, pickle… Find the entire range in our online shop. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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<\/i>Order online<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Delivery in La R\u00e9union \u2022 Shipping to mainland France and international<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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