After beginning as an aid project on the Kingdom of Tonga, one of the world’s most beautiful and remote islands, Heilala Vanilla was established on the principles of fair trade and supporting livelihoods. Grown in virgin soil on coconut husk frames, the orchid flowers on Heilala’s vanilla farms are hand pollinated and sustainably harvested before the traditional curing and drying process takes place under the pacific sun.

Multi-award-winning Heilala Paste is a convenient and economical way to get the flavour and appearance of rustic seeds without all the scraping. Pure seeds are suspended in vanilla extract, resulting in a spoonable paste that’s perfect in light-colored desserts such as ice cream, shortbread and crème brûlée. One teaspoon of paste equals one vanilla bean.

Available from F.Mayer Imports.