Vanilla Beans

There are only two species of vanilla beans that are commercially grown throughout the world: Planifolia and Tahitensis. They are commonly referred to as "Bourbon" and "Tahitian" respectively. These terms come from the names of the growing regions that they have been historically associated with as explained below.

Planifolia Vanilla Beans

Planifolia is sometimes generically referred to as "Bourbon" for the former Bourbon Islands (Madagascar, Reunion Island, etc.) that were once ruled by a French royal family of the same name.

This is the most commonly used variety of vanilla. Planifolia vanilla beans are long and slender, with a very rich taste and smell, have thick, oily skin, contain an abundance of tiny seeds, and have a strong vanilla aroma.

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PNG Tahitian Vanilla Beans

Tahitensis is generally called "Tahitian" since this species was first commercially grown on the South Pacific island of Tahiti. It is now grown in many other regions. We refer to our Tahitensis variety as "PNG Tahitian" to denote that it is grown in Papua New Guinea

Tahitensis vanilla beans are usually shorter, plumper, and contain a higher oil and water content than Planifolia beans. The skin is thinner, they contain fewer seeds, and the aroma is fruity and floral. They are often described as smelling like licorice, cherry, prunes, or wine.

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