VARIETY DETAIL · GRADES A / B / C

Madagascar Bourbon

Vanilla planifolia

The global benchmark for classic vanilla flavor. Rich, creamy, and sweet with deep caramel and chocolate undertones. Represents the overwhelming majority of world supply and US imports.

Best SellerExtractBakingClassic

Origin

Madagascar (SAVA region)

Species

V. planifolia

Harvest

June-September

Availability

Year-round

Three grades, one variety.

Every grade comes from the same variety — the difference is moisture, appearance, length, and intended use. Compare them side by side to choose the right fit for your application.

Madagascar Bourbon - Grade A
Madagascar Bourbon - Grade A image
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Premium / Gourmet

Madagascar Bourbon - Grade A

Plump, oily Grade A beans with rich, creamy character. Premium grade for retail presentation and direct seed use.

Moisture Content30-35%
AppearancePlump, oily, flexible, dark brown to black
Typical Length15-20+ cm
Vanillin (by weight)1.6-2.0% (avg ~1.8%)
Texture / HandlingSupple, bends without splitting
Best ForWhole-bean retail, gourmet use, seed scraping
Yield / Value NotePremium price per bean; fewer beans per kg
PackagingVacuum-sealed; 1 lb / 1 kg / bulk
Madagascar Bourbon - Grade B
Madagascar Bourbon - Grade B image
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Extraction Grade

Madagascar Bourbon - Grade B

Drier extraction-grade beans with higher vanillin concentration by weight and the same rich, creamy profile. The workhorse grade for extract.

Moisture Content15-25%
AppearanceDrier, thinner, may show minor blemishes or splits
Typical Length13-16 cm
Vanillin (by weight)2.0-2.4%
Texture / HandlingFirmer, less pliable
Best ForExtract production, infusions, baking
Yield / Value NoteBest flavor value per dollar
PackagingVacuum-sealed; 1 lb / 1 kg / bulk
Madagascar Bourbon - Grade C (TK)
Madagascar Bourbon - Grade C (TK) image
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Cuts / Industrial

Madagascar Bourbon - Grade C (TK)

Cuts and short/split beans. Lowest cost basis; best cost-to-yield for large-scale rich, creamy extraction and powder.

Moisture Content12-18%
AppearanceShort, split, lower visual grade; cuts
Typical LengthVariable / cuts
Vanillin (by weight)Variable; suited to bulk concentration
Texture / HandlingDry, brittle
Best ForBulk / industrial extraction
Yield / Value NoteLowest cost basis
PackagingBulk only

All vanillin, moisture, and bean-length figures shown are standard industry reference ranges and are provided for general guidance only. Actual values vary by lot, season, and origin. Per-lot certificates of analysis are available on request.

Looking to buy this variety at retail?

This page covers wholesale grade specifications. To purchase smaller retail quantities of this variety, visit our shop.