Share article:

image-vanilla-bean

The journey of a vanilla pod from vine to kitchen is delicate, slow, and almost entirely done by hand. In Bali, Yeni and Aaron have built Common Sense, a cooperative dedicated to ethical sourcing, sustainable farming, and premium-quality beans grown and processed with care.

Recently, our Queensland Account Manager Alexia and Thibaud travelled to Ubud after winning a visit to the cooperative. On Yeni and Aaron’s farm, they experienced the process firsthand, from culture to cultivation and learned the secret behind its unique taste.

Meet Common Sense: Ethical Vanilla Producers in Indonesia

Based in Ubud, Common Sense works directly with local farmers, overseeing every step: farming, hand-pollinating, harvesting, curing, and exporting. Their focus on sustainability and fair labour ensures both exceptional flavour and meaningful community impact.

Ethical sourcing of vanilla beans is crucial in ensuring that the farmers who grow and harvest them receive fair compensation for their hard work. Common Sense Vanilla is committed to supporting sustainable farming practices that benefit the local communities in Bali, where their premium vanilla beans Planifolia and Tahitensis are sourced. By choosing ethically sourced vanilla, consumers can contribute to a positive impact on the environment and the livelihoods of the farmers.
 

Eustralis Food Visits Common Sense

During their trip to Ubud, Alexia and Thibaud visited Yeni and Aaron’s farm to see the process of vanilla making. They learned that each flower blooms for only one day, requiring precise hand-pollination to produce fruit. They even tried it themselves, discovering how delicate and meticulous the technique truly is. As Thibaud put it, “Each step is done entirely by hand, without machines or chemicals. The dipping and drying are incredibly meticulous to ensure the quality of every vanilla pod.” Their visit showed how much craftsmanship and care go into every stage before a bean reaches a chef’s kitchen.

Bringing the Story Back Home

Back in Australia, Alexia and Thibaud returned with a deeper appreciation for the care behind every pod. Common Sense doesn’t just produce vanilla, they support their farmers, run a local market shop, and invest in their community.

If you believe that great products come from genuine care and thoughtful production, contact your Eustralis Food Account Manager to try the Common Sense vanilla beans and vanilla paste.