About Our Products

A Little About Vanilla Beans

People often ask, "Why is vanilla so expensive?". The answer to this
question can be explained in a short paragraph.

Most people don't know that vanilla beans are one of the most labor
intensive agricultural products in the world. Vanilla originated in Mexico but
vanilla production has spread throughout a region five degrees north and
five degrees south of the equator around the world. Since there is a lack of
natural pollinators where most vanilla is grown today, each vanilla orchard
flower must be pollinated by hand. The vanilla orchards only bloom once a
year and must be pollinated within hours of the flower opening or it dies and
falls off the plant. Once the orchard is pollinated, the beans take about eight
months to grow and mature to the point of harvesting. After harvesting, the
beans must go through a curing process that can take up to 4 months to
achieve the optimum flavor and texture. Given these facts, along with the
fact that vanilla is the most sought after flavoring in the world, we have the
answer to our commonly asked question.

Although there are only two commercially grown species of vanilla
producing plants, vanilla beans vary in appearance, color, texture, and
flavor. Each different growing origin seems to produce beans with their own
unique characteristics. This is largely due to the different soils, climate
conditions, and curing process.

Below you will find a description and some suggestions for use of each
different vanilla bean that we offer.

Premium Madagascar Noir Bourbon Vanilla Beans
The Madagascar Noir (black) Bourbon Vanilla Beans are the most commonly used
vanilla bean in the United States. Madagascar is the worlds largest producer of
vanilla beans. These beans have a very full vanilla fragrance and sweet creamy
flavor. The Madagascar beans are commonly used for making vanilla extract and
for any recipes calling for fresh vanilla beans.  

Gourmet Tahitian Vanilla Beans
Tahitian Vanilla Beans are from a different orchard than the other vanilla beans in
the world. While most varieties of vanilla are from the Vanilla Planifolia species the
Tahitian beans come from Vanilla Tahitensis. These beans are typically shorter in
length and bigger around with a soft plump texture and a strong sweet vanilla
aroma. These beans are good for extract but most commonly used in baking.

Native Mexican Planifolia Vanilla Beans
Vanilla orchards (Vanilla Planifolia) originated in Mexico and are considered to be
some of the best vanilla beans you can get. Mexican vanilla bean production has
dropped considerably due to more profitable crops taking over the vanilla
plantations. Mexican vanilla beans have a strong vanilla bouquet and a creamy
flavor with a slight spicy undertone. Mexican vanilla is a good all purpose bean.

Top Grade Tonga Islands Vanilla Beans
The Tonga Islands are in the Tongatapu Island Group located in the south pacific
about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Tonga only produces
about two to five tons of vanilla beans per year and are a quite popular bean.
Tonga vanilla has a lighter fragrance then some beans and have a very slight
acidic note. These beans are perfect for vanilla oils, poultry and fish marinades.

Papua, New Guinea Bourbon Vanilla Beans
New Guinea vanilla production has been increasing for the past several years.
New Guinea vanilla farmers are trying to make up for the shortage of Madagascar
beans as a result of a cyclone that wiped out 20% of Madagascar vanilla fields a
few years ago. The New Guinea beans have a full vanilla aroma and a spicy hint.
New Guinea beans are great for making vanilla teas, coffees and sugars.  

Tropical Comoros Islands Vanilla Beans
The Comoros Islands are located north and slightly east of Madagascar. Because
of the geographic location of the Comoros Islands the vanilla beans grown there
rank with the top beans. These beans are a shiny full vanilla flavored bean with the
slightest balsamic sweetness. Comorian vanilla beans are good general purpose
bean and makes a delicious vanilla vinegar.  

Grade A East Indian Vanilla Beans
Vanilla beans from India are increasing in supply and popularity. The East Indian
vanilla beans are shorter that most of the Madagascar beans but possess much
the same qualities. The Indian beans that we have experienced are not quite as
full bodied as the Madagascar vanilla beans but are a very good, creamy flavored
bean. These beans make good extract and are great for any pastry recipe.

Ultimate Rare Hawaiian Vanilla Beans
The vanilla bean production in Hawaii is just starting to emerge and Hawaiian
vanilla is in very short supply. The majority of the Hawaiian vanilla beans currently
grown have been promised to the island chefs by the growers. Our supply is very
limited. These beans are some of the most aromatic, sweetest, creamiest vanilla
beans you will ever hope to find. Although expensive vanilla beans, these are well
worth the money for any culinary delight you choose to use them for.

Natural Aged Pure Vanilla Extract
Our all natural aged pure vanilla extract exceeds the USDA requirements for "pure
vanilla extract". We naturally age the extract in the bottle for a minimum of 3
months. We use no artificial coloring or additives and do not use any solvents in
the extraction process. Each bottle contains 3 whole (sectioned to fit the bottle)
Madagascar vanilla beans. Use this extract in all of your favorite recipes, not only
will you see the flecks of vanilla seeds, but you will also TASTE the difference.

A word of caution about some artificial vanilla extracts and flavorings
Because of the high price of vanilla beans and pure vanilla extract many people
are choosing to use artificial vanilla flavorings. Although there is nothing close to a  
substitute for real vanilla extract, if you do choose to use an artificial vanilla
flavoring, be sure to check the ingredients on the bottle. Many of the artificial
vanilla flavorings on the market contain propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a
form of antifreeze and we do NOT recommended it for human consumption.
You can make 8 ounces of pure vanilla extract for less than half the price of 8
ounces at your local market. Check our recipe page for our vanilla extract recipe.

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