Papua New Guinea, Karawari - Gourmet Vanilla Beans - Grade A

Welcome to Karawari!

Imagine a place lost in time where access is only possible by wooden canoe. Houses are built on stilts adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. Over 800 distinct languages are spoken in the region with Tok Pisin being the local creole language.  Think wild, uncharted and utterly pristine. If you are an adventurous traveler seeking an authentic cultural experience, then the Karawari River must be on your bucket list.

But did you know that the Karawari River is also a renowned vanilla-growing region, and its Tahitensis Vanilla Bean is highly sought after by chefs and foodies around the world. The unique climate and soil conditions on the Karawari River provide an ideal environment for growing high-quality vanilla beans with a rich, complex flavor profile.

History of Vanilla Cultivation on the Karawari River

Tahitensis Vanilla Bean farming on the Karawari River, Papua New Guinea, started several decades ago.  In the early years of vanilla cultivation, the industry was dominated by foreign-owned plantations, and the benefits of the industry were not widely shared with local communities. However, in recent years, there has been a push to promote small-scale vanilla farming as a means of generating income and improving livelihoods for rural communities.

The unique climate and soil conditions on the Karawari River provide an ideal environment for growing Tahitensis Vanilla Beans. The region is characterized by high humidity, frequent rainfall, and warm temperatures, which create a lush, tropical environment that is perfect for vanilla cultivation. The volcanic soil in the area is also rich in minerals and nutrients.

Whilst many rely on subsistence farming and fishing on the Karawari River for their livelihood, vanilla farming has become a significant source of income for some communities in recent years, and it is an industry that is gaining increasing attention and recognition both locally and internationally.

The Tribal Tahitensis Bean from Karawari River

The Tahitensis Vanilla Bean is the most grown variety on the Karawari River. It is a long, thin, and plump bean with a rich, dark brown color. The vanilla bean is known for its high moisture content of between 30% and 35%. The beans are over 12 cm in length.

Divine Aromas and Flavoring

When the beans are ripe, they exude a sweet, floral aroma that is characteristic of high-quality vanilla. The flavor of the Karawari Tahitensis Vanilla Bean is bold and complex, with notes of sweet cream, caramel and chocolate and subtle hints of fruits like fig. Pure Vanilla Bliss!

The Vanilla Bean Rarity Index > Tribal Vanilla

The Vanilla Bean Rare Index classifies beans according to their rarity based on location, farmer and vanilla bean type. These Tahitensis Vanilla Beans from the Karawari River are grown from only a few small growers with extremely limited production per year. Hence they are categorized as the rarest of vanilla beans grown anywhere in the world. According to the Vanilla Bean Rarity Index they are classified as Tribal Vanilla.

Storage of Vanilla Beans

Vanilla beans should be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, separate from other spices. They should be kept away from heat, moisture, light, or air.

Over time, vanilla will generally lose moisture as it evolves. If you follow the above advice, you will be sure to be able to keep your vanilla beans at their aromatic best for 12 to 18 months, so that your vanilla is still soft when you come to use it.

In conclusion, Tahitensis Vanilla Bean farming on the Karawari River, Papua New Guinea plays an essential role in this remote region's economy. The unique growing conditions on the Karawari River help to produce high-quality vanilla beans with a rich, complex flavor profile.

How to Make Vanilla Extract
For more information, check out our more detailed homemade extract guide
here: https://nativevanilla.com/blogs/recipes/how-to-make-vanilla-extract

Vanilla Extract Calculator
Calculate how much vanilla you need to make your extract.
https://nativevanilla.com/blogs/recipes/vanilla-extract-calculator