Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans - Grade A

Organic Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans - Classic Rich, Creamy, Buttery Flavor & Aroma

• Certified Organic Dried Whole Bourbon Vanilla Seed Pods
• Madagascar-Grown Beans Are Perfect for Any Recipe
• Classic Vanilla Taste & Aroma - Rich, Buttery, Creamy Flavor
• Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Kosher, Vegan, Organic

OliveNation Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans (Grade A) are top quality, versatile ingredients that add "classic" vanilla flavor to baked goods, cooked dishes, sauces, fillings, frostings, ice cream, and more. The plump, oily dried pods are filled with tiny seeds that add visual texture as well as taste and aroma to recipes. Imported from Madagascar, our Organic Bourbon Vanilla Beans are prized by professional chefs and bakers for their distinctive rich, creamy taste and floral, buttery aroma. These pods are ideal for use whole, although just the seeds can be used depending on the application and desired result. Professional bakers and chefs frequently prefer Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans over other varieties as the taste and aroma complement almost any other ingredient. When people think of "classic vanilla taste," the flavor of this variety is what they mean. Use our organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans to create rich, deliciously flavored desserts such as custards, fillings, ice creams, frosting,  puddings, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods, as well as adding a creamy, buttery vanilla note to savory sauces and cooked dishes.

How many Vanilla Beans are there in 1/4 lb, 1/2 lb, 1 lb

Vanilla bean counts by weight vary widely from batch to batch and are also influenced by the time of year. As a general rule, 1/4 lb is approximately 23-27 beans, 1/2 lb has 45-55 beans, and 1 lb can have 90-110 vanilla beans. If you require a specific count of beans, we recommend that you choose one of the specific bean count options when ordering vanilla by the bean.

How to Use Madagascar Bourbon Beans

When your cake or ice cream recipe calls for one teaspoon of vanilla extract, substitute one vanilla pod. You can also use whole beans and seeds to make  our own delicious vanilla sugar. Cover rinsed and dried natural vanilla pods in 2 cups of granulated or confectioner's sugar for 2-3 weeks. The vanilla sugar can be used to sweeten espresso and lattes or in cookie and cake recipes.

How to Prepare Organic Madagascar Beans

Lay the bean flat on wax paper on a clean cutting surface. Gently slice from the center towards each end. Carefully open the split bean and scrape the delicate seeds with a knife blade. Opening the seed pod before placing it in a liquid exposes more of the bean's surface, intensifying the natural flavors.

Optional: Soften the bean before opening by steaming for up to 2 minutes.

How to Store Madagascar Bourbon Organic Vanilla Beans

To keep your beans fresh, store them in an air-tight container, away from direct sunlight and heat. Beans stored in this way will remain fresh for up to 3 years. In general, there is no need to refrigerate or freeze Madagascar beans. However, this may be necessary for a couple of very hot weeks in the summer months.

What makes Madagascar Bourbon Beans Different From Other Vanilla Bean Varieties?

In general, Madagascar vanilla beans have a long and slender appearance, with deep black skin that is tough and feels oily to the touch. They should have a strong aroma when the pods are split and the seeds are exposed.

Bourbon Madagascar Vanilla Beans have a distinctive rich flavor and aroma. This is the variety to use when you want to add pure vanilla flavor to your recipes. The Bourbon variety vanilla orchid imported from Madagascar produces a fragrant seed pod that has the wonderful sweet flavor that is used to make many of our vanilla products.

Note: The word "Bourbon" when used for vanilla refers to the Planifolia strain originally grown on Reunion Island (once known as Bourbon Island and named for the French dynasty, not the whiskey), not to the alcoholic beverage of the same name. OliveNation Organic Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans do not contain bourbon whiskey or any other alcohol.