Premium Vanilla Beans (18+ cm) – 1 kg

Vanilla Beans (Vanilla planifolia) – The Natural Luxury of Aroma from Indonesia

Vanilla is one of the most prized and beloved spices in the world. A true gourmet favourite, it is widely used in culinary arts, cosmetics, and even aromatherapy.

Our 18+ cm long vanilla beans are sourced directly from Indonesia – a region known for producing some of the highest quality vanilla in the world. These beans have a deep aroma, dark colour, and slightly oily texture – all signs of excellent quality and careful processing.

Origin and Botany

Vanilla beans come from a tropical climbing plant in the orchid family: Vanilla planifolia. This plant thrives in warm, humid environments.

The plant has green leaves and delicate white flowers. After pollination, the beans take up to 9 months to mature. Once ripe, they are hand-harvested, then carefully dried, fermented, and cured. This meticulous process creates the complex, rich flavour for which natural vanilla is renowned.

Why Choose Whole Vanilla Beans?

Vanilla sugar, extracts, and pastes may be convenient, but they can’t compare to the full, nuanced flavour of a whole vanilla bean.

Each pod contains hundreds of aromatic compounds. While vanillin is the best-known, many others contribute to the bean’s deep and layered aroma. The scraped seeds also provide a beautiful visual touch in dishes like ice cream or custards.

Product Details

• Botanical name: Vanilla planifolia

• Origin: Indonesia

• Bean length: approx. 18+ cm

• Appearance: dark, slightly glossy and oily, flexible

• Aroma: warm, sweet, creamy with soft floral notes

How to Use Vanilla Beans

1. Place the bean on a cutting board.

2. Slice it lengthwise with a sharp knife.

3. Use the back of the knife to scrape out the seeds.

4. Add the seeds directly to your dessert or recipe.

5. Don’t discard the pod – use it for flavouring teas, making vanilla sugar, or infusing liquids.

Common Uses

Vanilla beans are incredibly versatile and can be used in:

• Desserts: custards, ice cream, puddings, creams

• Beverages: vanilla latte, chai, herbal teas

• Homemade vanilla sugar: store the pod in a jar of sugar

• Home fragrance: simmer with cinnamon stick in water

• Cosmetics: infuse pieces in coconut oil for a natural scent

Storage Instructions

Vanilla beans are delicate and sensitive to moisture.

• Store in an airtight glass or metal container, in a cool, dry place.

• Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause mould.

• When stored properly, beans can keep their aroma and quality for up to 2 years.

Why Indonesian Vanilla?

Indonesian vanilla is known for its deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavour profile. Compared to the sweet, creamy character of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, the Indonesian variety offers more earthy and robust notes.

This makes it an excellent choice for pairing with chocolate or using in savoury recipes like sauces and glazes.

Sustainable and Ethical Choice

Synthetic vanillin is often derived chemically from petrochemicals. Whole vanilla beans are a natural and environmentally friendly alternative.

Choosing Vanilla planifolia supports small farmers and traditional, sustainable cultivation methods.

Nutritional & Wellness Aspects

Vanilla beans naturally contain antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress. Their aroma may also have a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

While not a medical remedy, natural vanilla can certainly contribute to overall well-being.