By Umar Nsubuga
Vanilla, often referred to as the “black gold,” is one of the most valuable spices in the world.
Known for its rich aroma and flavour, it is a key ingredient in countless culinary and cosmetic products.
While its cultivation is labour-intensive, the rewards can be significant when done right. However, one crucial aspect of vanilla farming often overlooked is the importance of harvesting the pods daily.
In Uganda, where vanilla farming is gaining momentum, experienced farmers like Phoebe Kagambe from Kamata village in Kyenjojo district and Simon Kayondo from Nkoni Nabyewanga village in Masaka district, shed light on why daily picking is essential for maximising quality, yield, and market value.
Timing is everything in vanilla farming
Vanilla pods do not all mature at the same time, even on the same plant. Each pod ripens at its own pace, making daily inspection and harvesting crucial.
According to Kagambe, who has been farming vanilla for over a decade, leaving mature pods unpicked can lead to over-ripening, which compromises their quality.
“Mature vanilla pods must be harvested at just the right time when they are firm, dark green, and have a slightly yellow tip,” she explains.
“If you delay, the pods may split open on the vine, losing their valuable flavour compounds and rendering them less appealing to buyers.”
Kayondo agrees, emphasising that regular harvesting ensures that only the best pods make it to the market.
“Vanilla farming is about precision,” he says.
“Picking pods daily guarantees consistency in quality, which is what buyers and exporters look for.”
Preventing losses and ensuring quality
When pods over-ripen and split, they release vanillin, the compound responsible for vanilla’s distinctive aroma and flavour. This not only reduces the quality of the product but also attracts pests and diseases that can spread to other parts of the plant.
Kayondo explains that a split pod can also lead to fungal infections, which can harm the entire vanilla crop.
“By picking daily, we can prevent these issues and maintain the health of the plants,” he says.
Kagambe highlights another reason for daily harvesting: security. Vanilla’s high market value makes it a target for theft.
“If you don’t harvest regularly, thieves can take advantage of the ripe pods left on the plants,” she notes.
“Daily picking reduces the risk of losing your hard-earned harvest.”
The process of daily harvesting
Daily harvesting requires meticulous attention to detail and patience. Farmers must inspect each vine carefully, identifying pods that are ready for picking.
Kayondo describes the process as both art and science.
“You need to know what to look for the right colour, firmness, and even the scent of the pod,” he says.
Once harvested, the pods must be handled carefully to avoid bruising, which can affect their appearance and quality. They are then cured a process that involves drying, sweating, and conditioning to develop their full flavor profile.
Maximising profits and market value
Vanilla buyers and exporters prioritise quality over quantity. A batch of well-harvested and cured pods can fetch a premium price, while poorly handled or over-ripened pods may be rejected or sold at a lower price.
Kagambe notes that daily harvesting allows farmers to meet the high standards required by the export market.
“When you pick daily, you get pods of uniform quality, which makes them more attractive to buyers,” she says.
“This consistency is what keeps clients coming back.”
Kayondo adds that regular harvesting also spreads out the workload, making it easier to manage post-harvest processing.
“When you harvest daily, the curing process is more efficient because you’re not dealing with an overwhelming volume of pods at once,” he explains.
Challenges of daily harvesting
While the benefits are clear, daily harvesting is not without its challenges. It requires a significant investment of time and labour, which can be demanding for small-scale farmers. Weather conditions can affect accessibility to the vanilla vines, particularly during the rainy season.
