Vanilla Bean

Vanilla bean is the dried pod from the tropical orchid plant Vanilla planifolia, which is the source of pure, authentic, and premium vanilla aroma. The dark brown to black pod contains thousands of small aromatic caviar seeds that have a rich creamy sweet taste and are often used for baking, ice cream, and high-quality desserts. Here is a complete description of vanilla bean.

Characteristics

It has a long pod shape like a slender pea pod, dark brown or black in colour, wrinkled in texture, oily, and flexible.

Flavour

Sweet, creamy, and complex aroma.

Caviar Content

When split open, there are thousands of small black seeds inside that provide the characteristic specks in cooking.

Usage

Split the pod lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and use them in batters or hot liquids. The pod skin can be reused to make vanilla sugar.

Popular Types

Fatter, thin skin, with a fruity floral aroma.

Indonesian Planifolia

Fragrant aroma with a caramel aftertaste.

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place rather than in the fridge to prevent drying out.

Vanilla bean is considered expensive because the harvesting and drying processes are done manually and take a long time.