Comments on: Villa Vanilla/Rainforestspices.com (Costa Rica)

By: nancy king

nancy king — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:54:09 +0000

I recently bought bottled vanilla in Costa Rica. Can you tell me how to use it?
I understand it is very strong and would like to know how to adjust it to use in
recipes calling for example for one teaspoon.

Thanks for your help.

NJK

By: Peter Zober

Peter Zober — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:42:46 +0000

I travelled with Brenda from Jaco 1.5 hour drive to visit the spice farm and have a tour. We visited on November 15, 2009. The tour was very good and exceeded our expectations, which was high to begin with. There was a lot of information and lots to see as well, we learned so much. This was one trip well worth the effort. Young or old, you’ll enjoy the tour and host.

The only cautionary note, is the written directions to their location. The locals were helpful in that regard, but I hope they update their directions for their visitors.

By: James Arthurs

James Arthurs — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:27:17 +0000

It’s a year since we were there (with my wife, her brother and his wife who live there). We were there in late Jan/08.

Overall my memory is of a pleasant experience-the plantation tour was really an eye-opener! We got a lot of information we’d never have got otherwise. The origin of his vanilla plants was a surprise, and the fact that the cinnamon he grows is the true species (the taste and aroma are really distinct from the species commonly sold up here). His farming techniques are organic and truly sustainable.

The degree of hospitality was also a pleasant experience. We were given as close to a red carpet treatment as possible in an essentially agricultural environment, and that put the icing on the cake. I have no problem recommending Villa Vanilla as a destination. The only negative was that the sign on the road was not easy to find; he said he was doing something about it.