Whole Bean Vanilla

Madagascar vanilla beans (Bourbon cured) are a highly in-demand variety that is a popular choice for anyone searching for an amazing flavour profile. Everything you want in a vanilla bean can be found here – creaminess, sweetness, richness – it’s all wrapped up in this sumptuous product, making it one of the most-used vanilla beans around the world! Whipping up a creamy, cool batch of vanilla ice cream or an indulgent dessert? This is a bean that will take your creation to new heights. They vary in length but our Grade A beans are usually 13cm and up. Madagascar is a world-leader in vanilla bean production due to the high-quality beans they are able to grow and harvest. At Vanilla Planet, we’re proud that our farming partners in Madagascar employ single mothers in their packaging department. We want to make a difference in the lives of these workers, which is why we strive to ensure hard-working single moms in that region have a reliable, ethical place to work.

What makes these Ecuadorian vanilla beans stand apart? Tahitian-style vanilla beans from Ecuador are the gourmet beans of vanilla lover’s dreams. They are known to give off an incredible aroma that will have your senses jumping for joy! Oilier in appearance than other vanilla bean varieties, this type of bean is beloved because it brings a unique combination of fruit-based flavours, including cherry and apricot, while having a slight floral note as well. Ecuador beans are cured at a lower humidity level than traditional tahitensis variety of beans, creating a quality second to none. These beans are a delicacy adored by chefs around the world. These beans come directly from a farmer who works for a company that aligns with Vanilla Planet’s mission to help those around us. He employs single mothers in the rainforest so they can support their families. Grown in the jungles of South America with a vanilla content of 1.8%, Tahitian vanilla beans are the ultimate product for vanilla lovers. Our beans are 15-16cm in length.

v. tahitensis A Grade

Vanilla beans sourced from Uganda are known for their fullness, richness, and soft texture. When you’re looking for a plump vanilla bean that produces bold flavour notes, this is the one to choose! Because they are grown in favourable conditions within Africa, these beans contain strong amounts of vanilla and have a distinguishable earthiness. If you’re making a dish that needs a punch of true vanilla flavour, you’ll love using the Ugandan vanilla beans! One of our farmers in Uganda has shared their knowledge of these beans: “Uganda is unique in the world in that it is the only country to have two harvests a year, which means the vanilla you buy is fresh. Ugandan vanilla’s characteristics are quite similar to Madagascar vanilla – smooth and creamy, likely due to the same variety grown, and the bourbon curing method used. Ugandan vanilla is perfect for baking and confectionaries.” We have both Grade A (13cm-21cm in length) and Grade B (Extract grade over 13cm). Our beans from a farming community that works to lift Ugandans out of poverty by teaching vanilla farming.

v. planifolia – B Grade

Deep, rich vanilla beans are found in the Sumatra region of Indonesia. These are dark beans, and in the vanilla world, the darker the better. You may have heard of Sumatran coffee and its amazing quality; these vanilla beans are no exception! Known for being quite rare and difficult to source, Sumatran vanilla beans are a coveted variety that are between 13 and 19cm long. Indonesia has ideal tropical conditions for growing vanilla beans, with soil that is bursting with rich minerals. These beans will enliven your senses with their gorgeous floral, earthy, and subtle fruity notes. Use these beans for vanilla sugars, creams, and more. (PS – Pastry chefs love this variety!). We recommend storing these beans in a cool, dry place so they retain their quality.

v. planifolia A Grade

When you need a vanilla bean that delivers on creaminess and smoothness, this is a sure thing. Papua New Guinea (PNG) vanilla beans have a very dark colour, and usually have smoky, caramel undertones that make for outstanding desserts and extracts. They provide a classic vanilla taste with a unique twist. Do you dream of dark chocolate? This vanilla bean variety pairs perfectly with dark chocolate pastries and desserts.

v. planifolia A Grade

Vanilla beans sourced from Uganda are known for their fullness, richness, and soft texture. When you’re looking for a plump vanilla bean that produces bold flavour notes, this is the one to choose! Because they are grown in favourable conditions within Africa, these beans contain strong amounts of vanilla and have a distinguishable earthiness. If you’re making a dish that needs a punch of true vanilla flavour, you’ll love using the Ugandan vanilla beans! One of our farmers in Uganda has shared their knowledge of these beans: “Uganda is unique in the world in that it is the only country to have two harvests a year, which means the vanilla you buy is fresh.  Ugandan vanilla’s characteristics are quite similar to Madagascar vanilla – smooth and creamy, likely due to the same variety grown, and the bourbon curing method used. Ugandan vanilla is perfect for baking and confectionaries.” We have both Grade A (13cm-21cm in length) and Grade B (Extract grade over 13cm). Our beans come from a farming community that works to lift Ugandans out of poverty by teaching vanilla farming.

Quantity is limited.

v. planifolia – A Grade

Not sure which type of vanilla to choose? Why not try some of each! This variety pack includes authentic vanilla beans from Uganda, Madagascar, PNG, Sumatra, Mexico, and Ecuador.