NZ-grown vanilla

A family-owned company in New Zealand has produced the first ever vanilla harvest outside the tropics. Retired farmer, John Ross, his daughter, Jennifer Boggiss and her husband Garth Boggis grow their unique brand of Heilala Vanilla (named after Tonga’s national flower) in a computer-controlled plastic house in their hometown of Tauranga. The house replicates the conditions of their farm in Tonga, where they have been growing Madagascar Bourbon vanilla in accordance with organic and sustainable practices since 2002. The company says its production methods complement the Tongan way – “unhurried” – which results in plump shiny pods with a rich, creamy, sweet flavour and poignant aroma. The Tongan production of Heilala Vanilla is already exported to Australia, Singapore and Malaysia and distribution is being finalised in the UK and California. It already has a loyal following in the foodservice sector, with Melbourne’s The European and Cutler & Co, Sydney’s Aqua Dining and Jonah’s among the leading restaurants already including it on their menus.