Actually, not sure why you think it is strange - "Madagascar" comes from Mexico and is one of the best most expensive vanillas out there . . . Just Sayin' . . . ;rolleyes:
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Yes, vanilla did originate from Mexico.
While excellent quality vanillas do come from Mexico "Madagascar" is 'kind of' a catchall and is mostly misunderstood by the masses. You will find widely different opinions on which 'type' of vanilla is the best. And as with most things in Life it all depends.
Types of Vanilla
An Introduction to the 4 Types of Vanilla Beans
Different vanilla beans have different flavor profiles depending on where they are grown. This is not only caused by the differences in climate and soil, but also by each regions' unique method of curing and drying.
Tahitian vanilla beans are the most expensive type of vanilla bean. These vanilla beans have a superb flavor and aroma. From the genus tahitiensis, these vanilla beans are wide and flat, while also containing less vanillin, an organic compound in vanilla beans that is responsible for the characteristic aroma and flavor, than the other three types. The aroma is floral with undertones of ripe fruit with a deep, rich flavor that includes cherry-chocolate, licorice and caramel.
Bourbon vanilla beans are the most popular type of vanilla, resulting from their clear and creamy flavor and the fact that Madagascar is the world's top producer of vanilla. These vanilla beans are the thinnest of the four types and also have the most flavor.
Mexican vanilla beans, from the genus planifolia, have a reputation for being the best vanilla beans in the world – vanilla did originate in this area so you shouldn't be surprised. Mexico actually had a monopoly on vanilla beans until the 1800's explorers started exporting them to other countries. Mexican vanilla beans are thicker than other varieties. The flavor profile of Mexican Vanilla Beans is similar to Madagascar vanilla beans though the Mexican vanilla has a mellower, smooth, quality and a spicy, woody fragrance that provides a depth that the other vanilla beans can't match.
Ugandan vanilla beans get overshadowed by these first three types of Vanilla, but Ugandan vanilla beans more than deserve to be included in any list of high quality vanilla beans. Vanilla beans that are produced in Uganda are much rarer than the first three types and have an incredible flavor profile and aroma. The aroma is earthy with hints of milk chocolate, while the flavor is bold because of the high levels of vanillin. These beans are similar in flavor to the creamy Madagascar beans, but are sweeter with a hint of milk chocolate.
Vanilla Extract. Many people do not know that the Vanilla flavoring that they buy at the grocery store may not have any real vanilla in it at all!
ETA: So yes, it is strange how Flavour Art chose to name FA Vanilla Bourbon and FA Vanilla Classic (Madagascar). They did nail the profiles and mostly so with FA Vanilla Tahiti.
