Hawaiian Vanilla Company

Whenever possible, our vacation adventures will include an Afternoon tea; and our excursion to the Big Island was no exception. An afternoon visit to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company proved to be a delightful experience. A bamboo tray with four green leaf-shaped serving bowls were presented to us to sniff and smell before selecting our tea. We could choose the signature Vanilla flavored black tea, the Mauna Kea Sunset (black tea with cinnamon & vanilla flavors), a caffeine free rooibos, or Emma's Garden, a premium green tea with vanilla, rose & lavender blossoms. The kids opted for the Vanilla Lemonade. The Upcountry Tea at the Vanilla Company provided a relaxing and elegant afternoon in the tropical rain forest setting. Once we received our tea, we were presented with a plate that featured a tomato bisque and farm fresh organic greens with crumbled feta cheese, vanilla honey peppered pecans topped with a vanilla raspberry vinaigrette. The 'Tower of Delights' was formally presented and included a delicious assortment of sweets and savories. The savories were wrapped in yummy pastry shells and accompanied by an assortment of chutney and mixed toppings. There was a pound cake that was served with a sweet papaya glaze, and a tower of double chocolate brownies with a raspberry glaze. All beautiful, all quite tasty. Following the Afternoon Tea, we were introduced to vanilla bean farming on the Island by owner Jim Reddekopp. And, many Island harvested vanilla beans were purchased that day and have been transported to the Mainland. A beautiful afternoon, a relaxing day, enjoyed by all.