At Villa Michaëlla, the PLANIFOLIA-TAHITENSIS HYBRID VANILLA embodies the alliance between artisanal tradition and scientific research. Resulting from rigorous crossbreeding and unique know-how, this variety combines the aromatic richness of Planifolia and the floral sweetness of Tahitensis. Thanks to our All-Protect conservation technology, we ensure complete stability and traceability, from the plantation to the chef in the kitchen.
Genesis and traceability of hybrid vanilla Planifolia-Tahitensis
The story of La Villa Michaëlla is part of the great tradition of Malagasy vanilla. Since 1952, an ambitious scientific research program, initiated by IRAT and continued by FOFIFA, has given birth to a family of new vanillas: the cross between the Vanilla Planifolia and the Vanilla Tahitensis, resulting in an exceptional Planifolia-Tahitensis hybrid vanilla
After 43 years of research meticulous, under the direction of great researchers such as Théodose ,then Nany Fleuron, an exceptional variety was born: the Tahifolia.
Beyond its unique aromatic profile, the Vanilla hybrid Planifolia-Tahitensis is at the heart of a larger project led by La Villa Michaëlla: guaranteeing high-end, sustainable and traceable vanilla. Each batch is tracked from the moment it is harvested, recorded in laboratory notebooks and checked before being put into All-Protect pots. This process ensures chefs and enthusiasts a rare consistency. Also discover our finished products, mainly made from the hybrid vanilla Planifolia-Tahitensis, in the online store, where tradition meets scientific innovation. For references to applied research in Madagascar, see the FOFIFA.
Today, La Villa Michaëlla perpetuates this scientific and artisanal heritage by cultivating two rare varieties:
. HARMONIA (75% Planifolia, 25% Tahitensis – 2 to 3% vanillin): available today, it combines aromatic intensity and floral subtlety, with a natural profusion of frost.
. DIVINA (50% Planifolia, 50% Tahitensis – >6% vanillin): currently being cultivated, it will be available in 2027 and is already shaping up to be a revolution in the world of gastronomy.
Directly from the Producer
At La Villa MichaëllaWe control every step of the vanilla cycle, from pollination to bottling. Our pods are grown, prepared, and packaged on our own plantations in Mananjary, without any intermediaries. This absolute proximity between the land and your hands guarantees unparalleled freshness, complete traceability, and an aromatic intensity that only direct production can offer.
What is Tahifolia Vanilla?
TAHIFOLIA is the name given by La Villa Michaëlla to the exclusive hybrid of Vanilla Planifolia and Vanilla Tahitensis.
This unique merger brings together the aromatic power of the Planifolia and the floral delicacy from Tahitensis, giving rise to an exceptional vanilla, naturally crystallizing and with great olfactory stability. Tahifolia Vanilla: our signature boutique product.
All our creations — Nectars, Pods, Harmonia, Divina — come from this rare lineage, a symbol of our pursuit of excellence and our attachment to the terroir of Madagascar.
Villa Michaëlla know-how
At La Villa Michaëlla
From growing the plants to potting, all steps are carried out by La Villa Michaëlla in Madagascar. This complete mastery guarantees a “ perfect traceability " and a constant quality.
. Cultivation and refining : respect for traditions, patience and rigor to allow the pods to fully express their richness.
. Unique preparation : revelation of natural frost, signature of our varieties with high vanillin content.
. Innovation : creation of the Vanilla NectarA superior alternative to caviar, concentrating the essence of the pods in a convenient and refined format. Pure or Crystallized Tahifolia Vanilla Nectar embodies the power and sweetness of this exceptional hybrid.
. Protection : thanks to the exclusive system All-Protect, our nectars retain their aromatic intensity more than a year after opening, a unique advantage for chefs and pastry chefs.
Picking green pods at Villa Michaëlla
Drying the pods at Villa Michaëlla
Sorting the pods at Villa Michaëlla
Knowledge transfer Villa Michaëlla
Research & Mentoring — Nany Fleuron's Legacy
Our expertise is rooted in more than forty years of scientific research on vanilla hybridization, initiated by IRAT and continued by FOFIFA. La Villa Michaëlla perpetuates this legacy through the expertise and mentorship of Nany Fleuron, an emblematic figure in Malagasy vanilla research. His vision has made it possible to reveal hybrid varieties of exceptional aromatic richness, combining scientific rigor and artisanal passion.
Research and Applied Experimentation
CULINARY EXPERIMENTATION
INNOVATION AND CONSERVATION
GASTRONOMIC VISION
TRACEABILITY & TRANSMISSION
Beyond culture, La Villa Michaëlla conducts genuine applied research on the optimal use of vanilla. Our workshops are not only places of preparation, but also of comparative tests to understand how to get the best out of each pod.
. Cooking and flavorings : we have demonstrated that simmering milk retains a marked olfactory power, while prolonged cooking reveals a more complex and deep taste.
. Persistence over time : syrups and creams infused with our Nectar retain their “aromatic intensity” for several weeks.
. Crystallized Nectar : we have developed precise decrystallization protocols to guarantee perfect incorporation into pastries and drinks (e.g. high-end bubble tea).
. Long-term preservation : our real-life tests prove that, thanks to All-Protect, our nectars retain their quality and aroma for more than 18 months after opening.
These experiments offer our customers more than an ingredient: a practical and exclusive know-howdesigned to help them enhance their creations. And above all, to allow them to discover and appreciate the quintessence of Planifolia-Tahitensis hybrid vanilla: Vanilla TAHIFOLIA
“Tahifolia vanilla — the result of 43 years of research — is now cultivated on our plantation in Mananjary.”
Tradition, science + “Gastronomy”
La Villa Michaëlla Vanille is much more than a producer: it is a bridge between the scientific research, the Malagasy artisanal heritage and theinternational culinary excellence.
Our mission is to support chefs, pastry chefs and enlightened amateurs by offering them not only exceptional vanilla, but also unique knowledge to release all its wealth.
By offering them:
-A high-end Madagascar vanilla
- Artisanal know-how
-All-Protect vanilla preservation
Come and discover the aroma and flavor of the hybrid vanilla Planifolia-Tahitensis: TAHIFOLIA
Explore our creations in the online store and discover our approach on the page About.
Our Signature Tahifolia Hybrids
The varieties cultivated by La Villa Michaëlla embody the perfect balance between intensity and elegance.
🌿 Harmonia — (75% Planifolia / 25% Tahitensis)
Develops a natural frost after three months of aging.
Vanillin content between 3% and 3.5%. ¨
Complex aroma: floral, sweet and persistent notes.
. Packaged under our system All-Protect® for optimal preservation.
. Variety currently marketed by La Villa Michaëlla. ¨
✨ Divina — (50% Planifolia / 50% Tahitensis)
. Developing variety resulting from 43 years of scientific research (1952–1995).
Exceptional rate of 6% vanillin, with an extraordinary aromatic signature.
. First production scheduled to begin from February 2027Samples in December 2025.
These two hybrids represent the very essence of our commitment: to unite science, tradition and excellence to offer exceptional vanillas, directly from our plantations.
FAQ – About our hybrid vanillas
What is Tahifolia?
Tahifolia is a unique hybrid between Vanilla Planifolia and Vanilla Tahitensis, combining the aromatic power of the first and the floral sweetness of the second.
Why buy directly from the producer?
Buy directly from La Villa MichaëllaThis guarantees origin, freshness and complete traceability, without intermediaries.
What is the purpose of the All-Protect® system?
The All-Protect® system combines several layers of natural and technical protection to preserve moisture, texture and aromas until you use it.
