There’s a lot of talk in the culinary world about Grade A vanilla beans and Grade B vanilla beans. But, how can I tell which one is which? Does grade even impact taste or quality? The answer can be broken down into two key characteristics: Appearance and Moisture.
By the end of this article, you’ll have no problem recognizing the characteristics of vanilla beans Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans. We discuss the application of both grades in culinary, gourmet dishes and sweet pastries. The vanilla beans in this comparison come from the Planifolia family, harvested in Java, Indonesia.
As a professional chef, manufacturer, or a consumer, having an understanding of the key differences between vanilla bean grades, undeniably will give you a substantial advantage next time you are shopping for bulk vanilla beans, or single vanilla pods.
Key Features of Grade A Vanilla Beans
Grade A vanilla beans are often referred to as gourmet or premium quality vanilla beans. Overall, they are dark brown, oily, plump and caviar-rich. This grade of vanilla is 6-8 inches in length, and plumps an oil content up to 28%.
Wrap a Grade A vanilla pod around your index finger and you will notice how flexible it is. However, if this test is done with Grade B, you will cause small cracks within the pod. This is a result of containing a lower oil content in comparison to Grade A vanilla pods bulk. In other words, Grade B vanilla beans are dryer.
Fun Fact: the more vanilla oil (higher moisture content) the higher vanillin content. Planifolia Grade A vanilla beans from Indonesia hold a vanillin content of 2.25 – 2.5.
Grade A vanilla beans are the prime ingredient in high-end recipes. This includes gourmet desserts, sweets, or custard at restaurants/resorts that cater to a more sophisticated clientele who want premium ingredients and authentic flavors. In order to get the flavor, cut open the vanilla pod from end to end. Then, use the knife’s non-sharp side, scrape the caviar, and apply it to ice cream for a rich natural flavor.
Retail Vanilla Beans For Sale
When you walk by the spice aisle, you notice the skyrocketing prices for 2 vanilla pods in a glass container (last seen for $23!). But what grade are we buying at your local grocery stores? That is Grade A. As consumers, we get more from single bean pods which is perfect for retail.
However, business owners do not typically use Grade A vanilla beans for vanilla extract despite its higher vanillin content. Comparatively, it may not be worth the cost to produce vanilla extract with Grade A vanilla beans bulk. This might happen simply by using Grade B vanilla beans bulk can result in the same flavor.
Pro Tip: Even after cutting vanilla pods open, the vanilla pods hold the vanilla oil. Thus, dip the pods in alcohol and enjoy some homemade vanilla extract.
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Grade B Vanilla Beans Key Features
Grade B vanilla beans are often used for mass baking and extraction quality vanilla beans. You can expect its natural earthy flavor, and floral aroma to satisfy your expectations. Specifically, they are typically shorter in length (at least 5.5 inches) and fairly less plump than Grade A vanilla beans.
Grade B vanilla beans contain a lower moisture between 20% – 24%, and hold a high vanillin content of 2.20.Thus, Grade B vanilla beans from Indonesia is the best option to make vanilla extract at home or mass production where a vanilla flavor requires its presence to get its full flavor as a liquid based.
What Grade of Vanilla Beans Should I Use?
For gourmet cooking or baking, we suggest you apply Grade A (premium) vanilla beans. However, if you want to experience homemade vanilla extract, or for manufacturing purposes, Grade B vanilla beans should be more than enough to get the flavor your customers are looking for.
How Many Vanilla Beans Per Kilogram (2.2 LBS)
Essence Food & Beverage, LLC is a vanilla beans supplier in Los Angeles.
We frequently get asked from bakers and chefs who order vanilla pods in bulk, “How many vanilla beans are in one kilogram, or 2.2 pounds?”
Just like coffee or any other natural commodity harvested from the soil of this world, it is uncertain that every vanilla pod will be exactly identical but, we can assure you precisely the same weight, moisture content, and vanillin content.
Approximately, 280-320 vanilla beans Grade A/Grade B weight to 1 kilogram of vanilla beans or 2.2 pounds.
Based on our 11 years of farmer relations, we have become one of the most reliable vanilla bean suppliers in the US. You can expect the highest quality bulk vanilla beans in our online store. That’s why we cut the middlemen and supply directly to you.
We have helped many businesses cut costs on ingredients and we can help you save on spices in bulk or wholesale too. Visit our vanilla catalog or request a quote today.
