What is Bourbon Vanilla?

Bourbon vanilla refers to vanilla produced from the orchid species Vanilla planifolia which is processed according to the so-called Bourbon curing or processing method. The result are vanilla beans that a soft and fleshy, the colour of dark chocolate, and of a rich, sweet and intensive flavour.
Since the curing method had its origin in the Indian Ocean region (La Reunion, Madagascar, etc.), it is also mistaken as a definition of origin (La Reunion was formerly called the Bourbon Island, after the French Bourbon dynasty). Producers in the Indian Ocean region make continuous effort to reinforce this fact. However, the growing trade of vanilla among producer countries and further re-exports make it increasingly more difficult to verify origins and “Bourbon” as a source of origin deludes consumers progressively more.