Kumejima Vanilla: Japan's Premium Island-Grown Vanilla Beans
Kumejima Vanilla: Japan’s Premium Island-Grown Vanilla Beans
Nestled in the abundant nature of Kumejima, a picturesque island often referred to as the "Island of Beauty" since the Ryukyu Kingdom era, a new local specialty is taking root — Kumejima-grown organic vanilla beans.
While vanilla beans are widely recognized as a key ingredient in desserts and ice cream, most vanilla available in Japan is imported from countries such as Madagascar, Tahiti, or Indonesia. Domestically grown vanilla is still rare, making Kumejima Vanilla a truly unique offering.
100% Grown and Processed in Kumejima
At Ryukyu Harvest Inc., every vanilla bean is cultivated, harvested, fermented, and cured entirely on Kumejima, using certified organic fields. Thanks to the island’s subtropical climate and stable year-round warmth, vanilla cultivation began several years ago and has steadily matured into a reliable harvest.
Each pod is nurtured with care and undergoes a labor-intensive fermentation process to ensure safety, quality, and exceptional aroma.
Climate-Friendly Vanilla from Okinawa’s Westernmost Island.
Climate-Friendly Vanilla from Okinawa’s Westernmost Island
Kumejima, located on the western edge of the Okinawa Islands, enjoys a warm subtropical climate with average winter temperatures around 18°C. This allows vanilla to be cultivated without greenhouse heating, making it more eco-friendly.
The director of Ryukyu Harvest Inc., began planting vanilla saplings years ago. Through years of trial and expertise, he has successfully launched one of Japan’s first lines of domestically grown organic vanilla beans.
Vanilla is a highly sensitive plant — intolerant to strong winds, extreme heat, cold, or humidity fluctuations. Even flowering is a challenge: blooms last only a few hours and require manual pollination, a task demanding both experience and precision.
After successful pollination, green pods resembling string beans take around 8 months to mature before harvest.
The Art of Vanilla Curing: Unlocking Aroma & Flavor
Immediately after vanilla bean harvest, the pods enter the most critical stage — curing.
Traditional vanilla curing requires 4–6 months of climate-dependent, manual work. The Vanilla Curing Chamber replicates the natural curing environment , enabling year-round processing regardless of weather or humidity.
Raw pods carry a green, grassy smell. Through the curing process, they gradually develop the sweet, floral fragrance that defines premium vanilla.
Kumejima Vanilla stands out with its well-balanced aroma: soft sweetness with hints of fruit, honey, and floral notes. Compared to imported beans, it offers a wider aromatic range and a smoother, more refined finish.
A Brand Born on the Island
Even the Kumejima Vanilla logo was personally designed by Ms. Takaesu. The English lettering was inspired by the delicate vanilla flower and symbolizes the transformation from bloom to pod. The warm brown backdrop evokes the comforting scent of cured vanilla beans.
Ryukyu Harvest Inc.
Agricultural Corporation Ryukyu Harvest Inc.
🏠 Address: 966-33 Nakadomari, Kumejima-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 901-3124, Japan
📍 Vanilla Terrace – Our Signature Vanilla Garden
📷 Instagram: @ryukyu_harvest