There are two major differentiators: moisture content and appearance. Grade A vanilla beans are often referred to as ‘gourmet’ or ‘prime’ vanilla beans. They are dark and pliable with 25% – 35% moisture content, which allows the flavor and aroma to seep into food and beverages quickly. Grade B or ‘extraction grade’ vanilla beans only …
Besides its mood-lifting aroma, studies show that natural vanilla contains a variety of nutrients and antioxidants that bring in loads of health benefits to our bodies. To name a few, it helps reverse skin damage, promote hair growth, lowers bad cholesterol, calm an upset stomach, alleviate anxiety, and support better sleep.
Vanilla beans are vanilla in its purest form with natural nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and much more. Vanilla extract, on the other hand, is an artificial flavoring often with additives like alcohol and sugar.
Vanilla only grows naturally within the 20-degree band either side of the Equator. Besides being one of the world’s most sought-after natural flavorings, natural vanilla is expensive because growing and harvesting the plant is extremely labor-intensive. Vanilla takes 3 years to grow. Each flower is hand-pollinated, and each bean handpicked and cured for weeks after …
Vanilla is the fruit of the world’s only fruit-bearing orchid called Vanilla plantifolia. It’s been used as a natural flavoring in Europe since the 17th century. Now it is one of the most popular plant-derived flavors in the world.