Question 1

What does "extract grade" vanilla mean?

Accepted Answer

Extract grade is the trade name for Grade B vanilla beans: slightly lower moisture (28% against Grade A's 32% in our lots), less cosmetically perfect, often split, and priced roughly half of Grade A. The name reflects their ideal use — extraction — where appearance is irrelevant. Vanillin is identical at 2.5%; the marginally higher solids content is a small bonus on top of the price, not the reason to buy.

Question 2

Are Grade B vanilla beans lower quality than Grade A?

Accepted Answer

No. Both grades come from the same plants and the same curing process, and both test at 2.5% typical vanillin; the grade reflects moisture content and appearance only. Gram for gram of dry matter the flavor is equal — and per dollar, Grade B is far ahead. Quality problems (under-ripe picking, poor curing, mold) are supplier issues, not grade issues.

Question 3

Can I use Grade A beans to make vanilla extract?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it tastes excellent — the vanillin is identical. It's just expensive. At 32% typical moisture the FDA's single-fold math requires about 14.7 oz per gallon instead of Grade B's 13.9 oz (neither uses the textbook 13.35 oz, which assumes beans at 25% moisture). So you need about 5% more bean weight and you pay roughly double per pound for it. Reserve Grade A for whole-bean uses.

Question 4

Can I use Grade B beans for baking?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — the flavor is all there. The pod is just drier, so caviar is harder to scrape cleanly. Practical workarounds: grind Grade B beans whole into vanilla powder, steep them in warm liquid ingredients, or rehydrate briefly. For visual seed-fleck presentation, Grade A is easier to work with.

Question 5

Is there a Grade C vanilla bean?

Accepted Answer

Some origins and sellers use Grade C (or "cuts/splits") for short, split, or very dry beans. They're the deepest value tier for extraction and grinding — the flavor compounds don't know the bean was short. Evanille sells splits within our extract-grade line with the same lot traceability.

Grade A vs Grade B Vanilla Beans: Which Should You Buy? | Evanille

Grade A vs Grade B Vanilla Beans: Which Should You Buy?