Save $40 on Supply Kit + All Access Class Pass!

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Paper Street Parlour

Paper Street Parlour

Cookie Decorating Classes & Supplies

AccountCart
  • Classes
  • Supply Kit
  • Recipes
    • Royal Icing
    • No-Spread Cookies
    • More Cookie Flavors
    • All Recipes
  • Tutorials
  • About
    • About Tyler
    • Contact Tyler
    • Subscribe for Updates
  • Shop
    • Online Classes
    • Supply Starter Kit
    • Cookie Cutters
    • Gift Cards
    • Amazon Favorites
Home » Blog » Tutorials

How to Use a Vanilla Bean

Tyler April Townley — Leave a Comment

Vanilla bean pods

What is Vanilla?

Vanilla is actually a member of the orchid family, and the only edible fruit in the entire orchid family. These orchids produce pods, that we refer to as vanilla beans, and are filled with thousands of seeds. Those seeds can be collected, and are referred to as vanilla caviar. If you’ve ever had vanilla bean ice cream, those little black specks are the vanilla pod seeds.

Different Types of Vanilla

I’m going to try not to bore you, and give you the Cliff’s Notes version of the different types of vanilla.

Vanilla Species

There are two main species of vanilla orchid cultivated for commercial use. Vanilla Planifolia, the most common type, is a more potent vanilla variety with a deep, earthy, vanillin flavor. Vanilla Tahitensis, named after the islands upon which it is cultivated, is more subtle, sweet, and floral. Vanilla Tahitensis is the vanilla most commonly used in fragrances, due to its floral aroma.

Vanilla Bean Regions

Vanilla grows best 15 ½ degrees north and south of the equator, but only in humid environments. The vast majority of commercially cultivated vanilla is grown in five regions: Mexico, Indonesia, Tahiti, Madagascar, and Uganda.

  • Mexican Vanilla Beans have a smooth, creamy, and spicy warm flavor.
  • Indonesian Vanilla Beans have a deep smokey flavor due to the unique curing process used in the region.
  • Tahitian Vanilla Beans are delicate and sweet with floral undertones.
  • Madagascar Vanilla Beans, also referred to as Bourbon vanilla beans, are creamy and rich in flavor.
  • Ugandan Vanilla Beans have a buttery vanillin flavor, and chocolaty aroma.

Vanilla Bean Grades

There are two primary grades of vanilla beans, Grade A and Grade B.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Grade A Vanilla Beans

Grade A vanilla beans are referred to as gourmet or premium vanilla beans. They have a high moisture content than Grade B beans, which allows the vanilla flavor to quickly infuse into a dish. Grade A beans have an oily sheen and are visibly perfect in form. This is typically the grade you want to use for cultivating caviar.

Grade B Vanilla Beans

Grade B vanilla beans have 10-15% less moisture content than Grade A beans, and are often referred to as extract beans, because their primary use is for making vanilla extract. Grade B beans will often have tears, scarring, bruises, are of varying lengths, and might even be scorched by the sun. While these imperfections do not affect the integrity of the vanillin flavor, their appearance does make them less desirable. Their low moisture content means these beans have a more concentrated flavor, making them the perfect choice for extracts.

Why are Vanilla Beans So Expensive?

Vanilla is the most labor intensive crop in the world, and the second most expensive, after saffron. Vanilla orchids are difficult to grow and keep alive, need to be hand pollinated, and can only grow in very specific climates. It takes 1 ½ to 3 years for the plants to flower and produce pods. The beans must then remain on the vines for 9 months. They are then harvested by hand, and have to go through a curing, drying, and resting period, which takes another 3-5 months. Climate change and political turmoil have also impacted cultivation in recent years.

How do You Get Caviar Out of a Vanilla Bean?

Equipment and Ingredients needed:

  • A small, sharp paring knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grade A vanilla bean
  1. You don’t have to, but I find it easier to open the vanilla bean if you snip off the very ends, especially if they are curled.
  2. Using a paring knife, split the bean down its length. If you cut all the way through, and cut the bean in half, that’s fine.
  3. Open up the vanilla bean, and scrape your knife along the bean to gather the seeds/caviar.
  4. Use seeds immediately.
  5. DO NOT THROW AWAY THE EMPTY POD! You can use the empty pods to make your own vanilla extract!

Categories: Tutorials Tags: how to use a vanilla bean, vanilla bean

You Might Also Like

Elf on the Shelf Pizza Cookie
Christmas tree made out of stacked star-shaped cookies.
Christmas Cookie Tree Tutorial
Cookie Scoop Guide
How to Make Mini Shortbread Tart Shells (Tartlets)
Tyler April Townley

Hi, I’m Tyler!

A professional pastry chef turned teacher of all things cookie decorating & more. I’ve made thousands of decorated cookies, cakes, & treats for happy clients over the years. Now I’m sharing my knowledge so you too can bake & decorate like a pro.

Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter YouTube
About · Blog · Shop · Subscribe

Subscribe for Updates

Never miss a recipe or new online class!

You can also follow on Instagram & Facebook!

Learn to Decorate Today!

  • Online Cookie Decorating Masterclass
    Online Cookie Decorating Masterclass
  • Products included in my Cookie Decorating Starter Kit
    Cookie Decorating Supply Starter Kit

The All Access Online Cookie Class Pass will give you access to over 24+ current and future online cookie decorating classes for one low price. Your subscription never expires, and you will have access to every online cookie decorating class, including my cookie decorating masterclass.

Find Out More

Reader Interactions

Have a comment or question? Cancel reply

I'd love to hear from you! Your email address will not be published.

Rate this recipe!




Primary Sidebar

Tyler April Townley

Hi, I’m Tyler!

A professional pastry chef turned teacher of all things cookie decorating & more. I’ve made thousands of decorated cookies, cakes, & treats for happy clients over the years. Now I’m sharing my knowledge so you too can bake & decorate like a pro.

Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter YouTube
About · Blog · Shop · Subscribe

Subscribe for Updates

Never miss a recipe or new online!

You can also follow on Instagram & Facebook!

Learn to Decorate Today!

  • Online Cookie Decorating Masterclass
    Online Cookie Decorating Masterclass
  • Products included in my Cookie Decorating Starter Kit
    Cookie Decorating Supply Starter Kit

Trending Recipes

  • Royal icing consistency examples How to Make Royal Icing
  • Lemon shortbread sugar cookies No-Spread Lemon Shortbread Sugar Cut Out Cookies
  • Vanilla bean cookie surrounded by vanilla bean pods Vanilla Bean Shortbread Sugar Cookies
  • a single pineapple shaped, macadamia nut cookie, dipped in chocolate, surrounded by macadamia nuts and smaller cookies Macadamia Shortbread Sugar Cookies
  • How to Make Mini Shortbread Tart Shells (Tartlets)
  • Mexican hot chocolate shortbread sugar cookies on cooling rack. Mexican Hot Chocolate Shortbread Sugar Cookies

Subscribe for Updates

Never miss a recipe or new online class!

You can also follow on Instagram & Facebook!

  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • Tutorials
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
  • Account
  • Cart

© 2023 Paper Street Parlour, LLC · Terms · Privacy · Site by Townhouse