58 Pompona Pittieri Vanilla from Nicaragua

Natural Pompona Pittieri Vanilla
Origin: Nicaragua
Terroir: Confluence of Río Sábalos and Río San Juan, El Castillo
Harvest: 2025
Curing: Hand or naturally pollinated, ripe and sun dried
Refining: >9 months
DDM: 31.12.2030
 
This vanilla belongs to the pompona group, likely subsp. pittieri or a closely related local ecotype, a botanical group characterised by considerable natural variability. The pods shown here are of a Central American specie, whose morphological and aromatic characteristics differ from the more robust Mesoamerican pompona varieties.
 
The pods are thick, with a dense, structured texture; the skin is marked and wrinkled, with a thick cuticle and a colour ranging from dark brown to chocolate brown. A compact and regular morphology, typical of Central American Pompona. Maturation with a pronounced fermentative character, revealed by initial alcoholic notes (rum-like) that gradually fade after aeration to give way to a more structured profile. This type of profile results from fermentation-oriented maturation or slow drying in a very humid environment.
 
Its aromatic profile is characterised by an alcohol/rum attack, fermented fruits, a heart of leather, tobacco, raisins/macerated fruit, a heavy floral base and surprising notes of melon too, punctuated by long lasting hearthy notes. The mouthfeel is rich, lactic, full-bodied and persistent. A dense and enveloping profile, typical of Pompona group vanillas, with a distinct fermented and floral character.
 
This vanilla is distinguished by an unusual aromatic profile, halfway between processed plant matter and notes derived from fermentation. It forms part of a broader interpretation of vanilla as a living organic substance, influenced as much by its species as by its ageing process.
 
Recommended for savoury cuisine, cold preparations like marinated fishes and carpaccio, also roasted meats and game, reduced juices, long-simmered sauces, intensely sweet dishes, dark chocolate and desserts featuring dried or alcohol-infused fruits, and in mixology for flavoured rum and alcoholic infusions
 
Not particularly suited to applications seeking a mild, linear vanilla, but ideal for creations requiring depth and character. Our recommendations for use: Let the pods breath before use to reduce the initial alcoholic notes. Use in a long infusion to reveal the aromatic complexity, adjusting the dosage according to the desired intensity.
 
This vanilla does not seek to conform to traditional standards, but rather to explore a different expression of vanilla – one that is rawer, more fermented, and deeply rooted in its environment and ageing process.
 
Indicative pod length: 10-14 cm; as a natural product, pod length, width and individual weight may vary from pod to pod; the stated quantity corresponds to the exact number of pods in the lot sold; the exact net weight is stated separately when packed and invoiced. A kilo is about 125 pods.
Moisture: +- 40%
Vanillin: na
Packaging: 1 Pod or more in glass tubes or glass jars, or in sachets
Nicaragua origin certified