Did you know Vanilla is the fruit of an orchid? The vanilla variety comes from the orchid’s name with the two most popular types of vanilla beans in the world being Planifolia Vanilla and Tahitensis Vanilla

You can use the whole bean as is in some recipes, however it is often better to scrape out the seeds so they can easily disperse in what you are making. To do this, place the bean on a flat surface and cut the bean lengthways, open it up and scrape out the seeds that are loaded with flavour. You can also use the pod that is left to make vanilla sugar.

These vanilla bean pods are the Tahitensis kind. Tahitian vanilla pods are more delicate than planifolia and smaller in size. They are slender with a distinctive aroma, described as fruity, floral and sweet spice. They have a strong vanilla flavour with cherry and chocolate notes. They have a shiny and oily skin with seeds inside.

Grade: Premium, Gourmet Quality Grade A
Average bean length: 11-17cm
Average weight per bean: 3.5-5g

Storage: Store in an airtight container, in a cool dry place with low humidity and good ventilation and protect from light.