VARIETY DETAIL · GRADES A / B / C

Tongan

Vanilla x tahitensis

A Tahitensis-type with floral, fruity, cherry and licorice notes. Limited production positions it as a premium specialty bean.

PremiumFloralLimitedSpecialty

Origin

Kingdom of Tonga

Species

V. x tahitensis

Harvest

July-September

Availability

Limited / specialty

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.

Tongan - Grade A
Tongan - Grade A image
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Premium / Gourmet

Tongan - Grade A

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

Moisture Content35-45%
AppearancePlump, oily, dark with cherry aroma
Typical Length14-18+ cm
Vanillin (by weight)1.0-1.5%
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
Tongan - Grade B
Tongan - Grade B image
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Extraction Grade

Tongan - Grade B

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

Moisture Content25-35%
AppearanceDrier, thinner, may show minor blemishes or splits
Typical Length13-16 cm
Vanillin (by weight)1.3-1.6%
Texture / HandlingFirmer, less pliable
Best ForExtract production, infusions, baking
Yield / Value NoteBest flavor value per dollar
PackagingVacuum-sealed; 1 lb / 1 kg / bulk
Tongan - Grade C (TK)
Tongan - Grade C (TK) image
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Cuts / Industrial

Tongan - Grade C (TK)

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

Moisture Content18-22%
AppearanceShort, split, lower visual grade; cuts
Typical LengthVariable / cuts
Vanillin (by weight)Variable; aromatic cuts
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.