Vanilla Beans in New Zealand – Complete Guide
Got questions? Lets go!
What is Bourbon Vanilla??
What it is:
A type of high-quality vanilla bean (and extract made from it) derived from Vanilla planifolia orchids.
Origin & Rules:
The name comes from Île Bourbon (now called Réunion Island), a former French colony off the coast of Madagascar where the hand-pollination method for these orchids was popularized. Madagascar and the surrounding Indian Ocean region produce most of the world's supply.
Flavor:
Vanilla bourbon has a rich, deep, and creamy flavor profile with classic sweet and chocolate-like notes.
What is the difference between Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans?
Grade A beans are generally:
Plumper and more flexible
Higher in moisture
Soft and easy to split and scrape
Usually have a more attractive, glossy appearance
Excellent for baking, desserts, ice cream, custards and other recipes where you use the whole bean
Also suitable for making vanilla extract
Because they contain more moisture and look better, Grade A beans generally cost more per bean.
Grade B beans are generally:
Drier and less plump
Lower in moisture
Often have more visual imperfections
Still contain plenty of vanilla flavour compounds
Particularly well suited to making vanilla extract, vanilla sugar and vanilla infusions
How many vanilla beans do I need to make vanilla extract?
7 Beans will make 2 batches of 250ml of extract. Thats 500ml in total!
How long do vanilla beans last?
We put two years best before date on our beans. Since they are cured, vanilla beans are very shelf stable if stored correctly.
How long has The Little Vanilla Pod been in business?
We have been around since 2019! Proudly based in the Waikato and happy to be a New Zealand small business!
How should vanilla beans be stored?
Store vanilla beans in a cool, dry, dark place — never in the refrigerator or freezer.
Wrap beans in wax paper or parchment, then seal in an airtight container to retain moisture without trapping condensation.
Properly stored, cured vanilla beans keep for 2+ years.
Beans that dry out aren't ruined — they can often be rehydrated or used as-is for extraction.
Mold risk comes from excess moisture and poor airflow, not from long storage on its own.
What are pacific vanilla beans?
Vanilla that is grown in the pacific is usually planifolia or tahitensis variety. Planifolia is more flavorful so that is what we stock.
What do our customers say about our vanilla beans??
Check out our great reviews!
Buy vanilla beans sourced through organic, small-scale growers and traditional methods at the little vanilla pod