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Gourmet quality
checked by lab analysis

Fair prices
for a sustainable product

Personal contact
orders of any size

Research and communities
supported with every order

About us

A small family business from Costa Rica

AzoVanilla is a small family business from Costa Rica. Local farmers grow our vanilla in the forests of the Pacific coast and pollinate every orchid by hand. We avoid chemicals in the field.We work closely with the National University of Costa Rica on basic and applied research into vanilla growing and curing. Part of every order supports this work and the communities around us.

How our vanilla is made

Picked by hand, cured in the sun

Our vanilla grows mainly on the Pacific coast, with 3,000 to 4,000 mm of rain a year and clearly marked seasons.

01Picked one by oneWe pick every pod by hand on the day its base turns from green to yellow. That colour change shows that glucovanillin, the precursor of the vanilla aroma, has built up. So we never harvest unripe fruit.

02Cured in the sunWe do not "kill" the pods in hot water. They are cured the traditional way, in controlled sunlight for up to three days, until they turn brown and glossy. It takes more work, and it is the method we stand by.

03Tested in the labPhysicochemical and microbiological tests confirm that the limits for pesticides, heavy metals and microbes are met.

Our vanilla classes

Four classes, one curing method

Every class goes through the same harvest and the same sun curing. They differ in length, shape and what they are best used for.

PREMIUM FROM 20 CM · EXTRA 17 TO 19 CMClass A · GourmetPlump, flexible pods full of vanilla caviar, smooth skin, 30 to 35 % moisture, rich in vanillin.

UP TO 13 CM OR OPEN TIPClass C · For extractsPods with an open tip, or shorter than 13 cm, sometimes a little drier and less flexible. Aroma, flavour, colour and caviar are just as good, which makes them ideal for extracts.

13 TO 16 CMClass B · GourmetSame curing, aroma, dark colour and moisture as Class A, slightly shorter.

UNDER 20 CM · RAREVanilla sotoarenasii · Class AA rare vanilla that grows only in Costa Rica. The pods stay under 20 cm but are full of caviar. Their aroma combines vanilla with a hint of anise, which makes them interesting for extracts.

Custom orders

Vanilla with your name on it

Looking for a gift or a promotional item? We can pack and label vanilla to suit your brand or occasion, for clients, employees or a special day. Write to us with your idea.

• Ask about custom orders

Science and development

Growing the region, carefully

We work with communities, research centres and entrepreneurs to help the region grow without using up what future generations need. We welcome any contact about vanilla varieties, growing, curing, plant diseases or community projects.

Our team

Jose Bernal Azofeifa
Sales, production and researchMSc in Natural Resources Management, specialty biodiversity

Edwin Javier Azofeifa
Marketing and salesMaster in Environmental Studies and Technology (Industrial Ecology) and Master in Geography (European Territories)

AzoVanilla · Vanilla from Costa Rica

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