Vanilla Guides

Importing Vanilla Beans from Indonesia: Shipping, Customs and HS Codes
Importing Vanilla Beans from Indonesia: Shipping, Customs and HS Codes
How bulk vanilla ships from Indonesia, how long it takes, which HS codes apply and what paperwork importers usually need. Read more...
Indonesian Vanilla: A Buyer's Guide
Indonesian Vanilla: A Buyer's Guide
Where it grows, how it tastes and what to check before you buy. A practical guide to Indonesian vanilla beans. Read more...
Single-Fold vs Double-Fold Vanilla Extract: What's the Difference?
Single-Fold vs Double-Fold Vanilla Extract: What's the Difference?
Double-fold extract uses twice the beans for the same amount of alcohol. Here's when it's worth it, and how much of each to use. Read more...
Why Is Real Vanilla So Expensive?
Why Is Real Vanilla So Expensive?
Hand pollination, months on the vine and months more of curing. Here's where the price of real vanilla comes from. Read more...
A hand holding green vanilla pods growing on the vine
What Is Tahitensis Vanilla? Indonesia's Floral Vanilla Explained
A different species from classic vanilla, with a fruity, floral perfume. Here's how tahitensis differs from planifolia, and how to use it. Read more...
Vanilla Bean Crystals or Mould? How to Tell the Difference
Vanilla Bean Crystals or Mould? How to Tell the Difference
Glittering crystals are a sign of good vanilla. Fuzzy patches are not. Here's how to tell which one you're looking at. Read more...
How to Store Vanilla Beans (and Why Not in the Fridge)
How to Store Vanilla Beans (and Why Not in the Fridge)
Airtight, dark and at room temperature. Here's how to keep vanilla beans soft and fragrant for a year or more, and what to do if they dry out. Read more...
How to Use a Vanilla Bean: Split, Scrape and Reuse
How to Use a Vanilla Bean: Split, Scrape and Reuse
Split it lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, then keep the pod working. Here's how to get every bit of flavour from a vanilla bean. Read more...
Sumatra vs Madagascar Vanilla: How They Taste and When to Use Each
Sumatra vs Madagascar Vanilla: How They Taste and When to Use Each
Same species, different character. Madagascar is the classic creamy vanilla. Sumatra brings smoke and wood. Here's how to choose. Read more...
A split vanilla pod showing its tiny black seeds
Vanilla Paste vs Vanilla Extract: When to Use Each
Paste gives you specks and body. Extract gives you clean, liquid flavour. Here's when to reach for each, and how to swap one for the other. Read more...
Which Alcohol Is Best for Vanilla Extract? A Guide to Proof and Spirits
Which Alcohol Is Best for Vanilla Extract? A Guide to Proof and Spirits
Proof matters more than brand. Here's what strength to use, how vodka, bourbon, rum and brandy change the flavour, and what to avoid. Read more...
Grade A vs Grade B Vanilla Beans: What's the Difference?
Grade A vs Grade B Vanilla Beans: What's the Difference?
Grade A beans are for scraping into food. Grade B beans are for steeping in alcohol. Here's how to tell which one your recipe needs. Read more...