Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans

These high quality whole bourbon vanilla beans from Madagascar have been sourced and selected by Nielsen-Massey, specializing in premium quality vanillas and flavor extracts since 1907.

These beans have the highest quality rating, they are black or dark brown in color with an oily shine on the surface, and a higher percentage of vanillin and moisture in the pod. Don’t be mislead by inferior vanilla products. Look for pure vanilla to be sure your recipes have the best flavor.

The most common variety of vanilla bean grown and cooked with is the Vanila Plantifolia, or Bourbon Vanilla, from Madagascar. The vanilla plant is part of the orchid flower family. It is known for its complex taste of sweetness, buttery richness, creamy milky notes, and spice. Like wine, chocolate, and coffee, the terrior, or growing environment, will affect the flavors of each harvest. During processing, the pods are slowly dried to reduce moisture to 25- 30%. Then they are left to develop their flavor, stored in closed boxes for up to six months, a process called conditioning. Once cured, high quality pods have roughly 2.5% vanillin flavor content by weight.

Vanilla beans are useful to bakers and chefs. In the whole bean, both the pod shell and the seeds can be used. Pods can be simmered whole in a liquid to infuse it with vanilla flavor. Whole pods can be dried and reused as long as their surface remains oily and supple, and it still has the vanilla aroma. Alternatively, beans can be split in half to access more surface area for a stronger flavor. The seeds are scraped into the dish to increase the vanilla flavor and provide a delicate speckling throughout, considered gourmet appearance that emphasizes the use of real vanilla beans. In recipes, one whole pod is equal to one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, powder, or paste.

Natural vanilla may infuse your dish with a mild yellow or light brown color. Vanilla is commonly used to flavor ice cream, cookies, cakes, custards, puddings, icings, and other sweet dessert dishes. But it can also be used to incorporate a mild sweetness into drinks and savory dishes. Vanilla compliments flavors such as chocolate, coconut, fruits, caramel, coffee, squash, seafood, duck, tomato, and others.

Whole vanilla beans are kosher and gluten free. Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Beans are also all-natural, GMO-free, and allergen-free. Beans should be stored at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. If stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place, beans can have a shelf life of up to two years.

Despite their possibly misleading name, Bourbon Vanilla Beans are not produced with or connected to Bourbon Whiskey.