1Chapter 8 Recognizing the Quality and Origin of Vanilla from Reunion Island: Creating a PGI “Vanille de L’île de la Réunion”

Although the genus Vanilla is native to Mexico, Reunion Island can reasonably be considered its second home. Vanilla cultivation and processing have very strong links with the Reunion Island (formerly the Ile Bourbon). The vanilla plant was introduced on the island in three successive years (1819, 1820, and 1822) from Cayenne and Manila (Philibert and Perrotet) and from Mexico, by means of the Jardin des Plantes (botanical garden) in Paris (Marchant).