Vanille de Bretagne

It’s the culmination of a bold challenge: growing vanilla in Brittany. An adventure born from the daring spirit of a handful of Breton market gardeners, now coming to life.

A minimum of 3 grams per pod

Weight

Jan. - Dec.

Season

Hand-pollinated and harvested

at full maturity

A unique production

in mainland France

Season

  • Peak season
  • Available
  • Not available
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.

Did you know?

Driven by innovation and a constant quest for new opportunities, Prince de Bretagne market garderners are always exploring new markets to expand their range. The idea of growing vanilla in existing greenhouses took root in 2019, in the minds of three passionate producers based in Côtes-d’Armor. Supported by their cooperative, Les Maraîchers d’Armor, and the experimental station Terre d’essais, they successfully rose to the challenge of producing ethical, high-quality vanilla in Brittany.

The first harvest reveals a plump, glossy brown pod, rich in seeds and bursting with intense fragrance.

A Delicate Plant: The vanilla orchid dislikes extremes—whether in temperature or light. Brittany offers a climate well-suited to its cultivation.

A meticulous care : Growing vanilla in requires calm and delicacy at every stage. It’s the result of a 100% manual process - from pollination to curing. Patience is essential: it takes over 18 months from the pollination to the moment till the brown pod is ready for market.

A Vanilla That Keeps Giving:Vanilla from Brittany can be infused multiple times. Before being split open, it releases its delicate aromas when steeped in milk or cream. Once the seeds have been extracted and used, the pod can be stored in sugar to create a delicious vanilla sugar—extending its unique fragrance even further.

A Vanilla pod that can be use several times : Vanilla from Brittany can be infused multiple times. Even before being open, it releases its delicate aromas when dipped in milk or cream. Once the seeds have been extracted and used, the pod can be stored in sugar for example to create a delicious vanilla sugar.

List of Retailers

For professionals: To purchase this still very exclusive Breton vanilla, please contact: COTACOOP – cotacoop@cotacoop.bzh

Nolan LE SAUX – Sales Representative, Cotacoop 📞 +33 6 07 47 93 63 📧 nolan.lesaux@cotacoop.bzh

For individuals: Available online at:

Available at fine grocery stores: 

IN BRITTANY

 

OTHER REGIONS OF FRANCE

Where to experience the flavor of Breton vanilla?

Cooking Tips

Why Choose Vanilla from Brittany?

To select a high-quality vanilla pod, make sure it immediately releases a strong, natural vanilla aroma. It should be soft, flexible, and not brittle. A premium pod is dark in color. And the longer and thicker it is, the better — this means it’s rich in vanillin and seeds.

Vanilla from Brittany meets all these standards: each pod is harvested individually at peak maturity, ensuring an exceptional vanillin content and an intense fragrance. Our Breton vanilla pods are plump, supple, and bursting with flavor — so you can use every part to fully enjoy their aromatic richness!

How to Prepare Vanilla from Brittany

Split the pod: Use a sharp knife to slice the Breton vanilla pod lengthwise.

Extract the seeds: With the back of the knife, gently scrape the inside of the pod to collect the tiny black seeds.

How to Cook with Vanilla from Brittany

You can use both the seeds and the pod for maximum flavor:

Milk or cream: Add the split vanilla pod to your preparation (milk, cream, etc.) and let it infuse gently over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the vanilla to release all its aromatic richness. Remove the pod before continuing with your recipe.

Make sure to use every part of your Breton vanilla pod!

How to Store Vanilla from Brittany

Keep away from moisture: Moisture can make the pods mold. It's essential to store them in a dry place.

Maintain a stable temperature: Ideally, storage temperature should be between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Avoid sudden temperature changes.

 

Culinary Ideas

What Pairs Well with Vanilla?

Vanilla adds a unique aromatic depth that can elevate a simple dessert or dish into something truly special. It’s an incredibly versatile spice that pairs beautifully with a wide range of ingredients — both sweet and savory.

In sweet dishes:

  • Chocolate: white, dark, or milk
  • Fruits: berries, apple, pear, apricot, lemon, coconut
  • Nuts and seeds: almond, hazelnut, pistachio
  • Others: caramel, coffee, praline

In savory dishes:

  • White meats: chicken, veal (such as in a vanilla-infused blanquette)
  • Fish and seafood: vanilla can add a subtle, exotic touch
  • Vegetables: cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash

Chef’s Tips

Zero-Waste Tip: What to Do with Used Vanilla Pods from Brittany

Vanilla sugar: After using the seeds, place the empty pods in a jar of sugar to create fragrant vanilla sugar. Another option: bake the pods at a very low temperature (no more than 50°C / 122°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. Let them cool, then grind into a fine vanilla powder you can use in all your recipes.

Reuse: The pods can be reused several times to infuse liquids.

Homemade vanilla extract with your Breton vanilla: Split the used pods and place them in a glass bottle. Cover with alcohol (rum or vodka) and let steep for at least two months. Shake the bottle occasionally.

Infused rum: You can also add your used vanilla pods to homemade infused rums along with fruits.

These methods help you make the most of your vanilla pods — adding a delicious touch to your desserts and culinary creations.

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