Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Planifolia vanilla and other varieties?
The most popular vanilla varieties are Planifolia and Tahitensis. Our Planifolia vanilla (sometimes called Bourbon vanilla) is the gold standard, renowned for its strong, bold, creamy, and distinctively sweet flavour profile. Physically, Planifolia beans are typically thick, oily, and dark brown in appearance, signifying their high vanillin content. Tahitensis, while pleasant, has a more delicate and floral flavour. Planifolia is the ideal choice for applications where a deep, classic vanilla flavour is essential, such as baking, ice-cream, custards, and extracts.
Why does Indonesian Planifolia have such high quality?
The secret to our vanilla's flavour lies in its Indonesian home. Located under the equator, the islands deliver a warm, tropical climate with the necessary high humidity and consistent rainfall. Crucially, the mineral-rich volcanic soil on which our vanilla grows, infuses the beans with a robust and complex flavour profile. This unique combination of terroir and our dedication to regenerative, sustainable farming ensures a grade A Planifolia bean that stands above the rest.
What factors drive the premium pricing of vanilla beans?
Vanilla beans are expensive because their cultivation is incredibly labour intensive and time consuming.
- Vanilla's three-year wait: The vanilla plant requires 2-3 years for the vine to flower from the moment it is planted.
- Hand pollination: Each flower blooms for just one day a year and must be hand pollinated. Only one vanilla bean grows out of one flower.
- Post pollination growth time: The duration the vanilla beans grow on the vine after pollination.
- The curing process: It requires 4-6 months to turn the green beans into the dark brown aromatic pods we use. In total, it takes at least 3 years to produce a usable vanilla bean, making it the second most labour intensive crop in the world, right after saffron.
What is grade A premium quality?
Grade A is also known as gourmet quality, the crème de la crème of vanilla. These beans have a high moisture content between 30-35%, a dark, rich colour, and a high vanillin concentration, ensuring the most potent aroma and flavour. We only source and sell gourmet grade A planifolia beans.