Madagascar vanilla beans are some of the most flavorful naturally-grown plants in the world. Not only are they delicious but they are also the most sought-after and expensive type of vanilla bean. However, choosing which Madagascar vanilla beans to buy can be a daunting decision. But that’s why we’ve curated this comprehensive buying guide! Let us help you find the right Madagascar vanilla beans so that you can add a unique flavor to all of your culinary creations.
What To Consider When Shopping For the Best Madagascar Vanilla Beans
Processing method
Madagascar vanilla beans undergo either a wet or dry processing method. The wet process involves soaking the beans in hot water with the goal of removing the outer shell of the beans. Then, from there, the beans are dried by the sun.
Alternatively, the dry process involves covering the beans in cloths to protect them from the sun. However, the beans still dry out over time, just in the absence of direct sunlight. Knowing which method was used to dry a certain type of Madagascar vanilla bean can provide insight into their flavor profile as well as their shelf-life post-purchase.
Grade quality
Madagascar vanilla beans have different grades, and each one indicates varying levels of quality. For instance, grade A vanilla beans typically indicates a higher level of quality than grade B or prime gourmet vanilla beans. Understanding which grade you are purchasing can help you make an informed decision about which product will best meet your needs.
Color
When looking at Madagascar vanilla beans, light- to medium-brown beans are typically fresher than deep brown or black beans. Low oxygen levels when storing Madagascar vanilla beans can cause them to darken over time, which makes color an indicative factor in the overall freshness levels of vanilla beans.
Aroma
The aroma of fresh vanilla should be present in vanilla beans upon purchase. The presence of an aromatic scent indicates the overall flavor profile of the beans. If there’s little to no aroma, then the vanilla beans might have been stored for an extended period of time prior to being sold. If that’s the case, the vanilla beans might not be able to maintain their full flavor potential due to low oxygen levels during storage or while in transit.
Texture
Madagascar vanilla beans should have a slightly shiny and pliable texture. However, you don’t want them to be soggy, dried out, or quick to crumble. As long as that’s not the case, this type of texture indicates freshness. The texture can affect the flavor outcome and various other end results, so keep this in mind.
Length
You should consider the length of vanilla beans before purchasing any. This is because the length of the beans will impact your results when working with recipes that call for whole vanilla beans. To measure the length of vanilla beans prior to buying them, ask the seller or check the information on the packaging. You can also measure them yourself if that’s an option.
While measuring the beans, consider the flexibility, stiffness, and hardness, all of which might indicate that a lot of the essential oils in the beans have already been extracted. At that point, the vanilla beans are not worth purchasing.
Brand reputation
For added assurance and peace of mind, conduct light research about the brand. Read reviews from people who’ve purchased from the brand in the past. This information will educate you about overall customer satisfaction levels.
Authenticity measures like third-party certifications can also increase your confidence level as a buyer. That’s because these certificates speak to quality assurance from an unbiased perspective. Best of luck!
