Why Kerala Vanilla is Special
Vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world — second only to saffron. While most vanilla sold in India comes from Madagascar or Indonesia, very few people know that some of the finest vanilla in Asia is grown right here in the highlands of Kerala’s Western Ghats.
The combination of altitude, rich laterite soil, consistent rainfall, and cool misty climate in the Kerala highlands produces vanilla beans with a distinctly deep, complex aroma that mass-produced vanilla simply cannot match. Small farm cultivation and traditional hand-curing methods preserve the natural vanillin content — the compound responsible for true vanilla flavour.
If you have only ever used vanilla essence from a bottle, real Kerala vanilla beans will completely change how you cook and bake.
Grade A vs Grade B/C — What is the Difference?
When buying whole vanilla beans, you will often see Grade A and Grade B/C mentioned. Here is what it actually means:
Grade A Vanilla Beans
- Pod length above 6 inches
- Higher moisture content — plump and oily to touch
- More pronounced aroma, higher vanillin concentration
- Ideal for gifting, professional baking, food styling, premium vanilla extract
- Visually impressive — full length pods look beautiful in a glass jar
Grade B/C Vanilla Beans
- Pod length 4 to 6 inches
- Same genuine Kerala vanilla — same origin, same curing method
- Slightly lower moisture, shorter pods — but identical flavour when used in recipes
- Perfect for homemade vanilla extract, everyday baking, custard, ice cream, vanilla sugar
- Best value — professional bakers and extract makers almost always prefer Grade B/C
“I ordered the B grade vanilla beans as I am a home baker and the size of the beans didn’t really matter to me. For a very expensive spice wayanad.co.in provides reasonable pricing. I will be ordering again.”
— Aruna Praschniker, verified buyer
The honest truth — for making vanilla extract or cooking, Grade B/C gives you identical results at a better price. Grade A is worth it when appearance matters, such as gifting or food photography.
How to Use Whole Vanilla Beans
Basic Method — Scraping Seeds
- Place the vanilla bean flat on a cutting board
- Using a sharp knife, split lengthwise down the centre
- Use the back of the knife to scrape out the tiny black seeds
- Add both seeds and the empty pod to your recipe
- Remove the pod before serving
Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
This is the most economical and rewarding use of whole vanilla beans. Place 3 to 4 beans in 100ml of vodka or rum. Seal tightly and store in a dark place for 6 to 8 weeks. The result is a pure vanilla extract far superior to any store-bought version — and one batch lasts months.
Make Vanilla Sugar
After scraping seeds from a pod, do not throw the empty pod away. Bury it in a jar of sugar, seal, and leave for two weeks. The sugar absorbs the vanilla aroma completely — use it in coffee, tea, baking, or desserts.
Best Uses for Kerala Vanilla Beans
- Homemade vanilla extract
- Vanilla ice cream and gelato
- Cakes, cookies, muffins, and breads
- Custard, kheer, and puddings
- Vanilla-infused coffee and tea
- Vanilla sugar
- Homemade perfume and natural skin care preparations
Health Benefits of Natural Vanilla
Beyond flavour, real vanilla beans have several genuine health benefits that processed vanilla essence lacks entirely:
- Rich in antioxidants — natural vanillin is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage
- Anti-inflammatory properties — traditionally used in Ayurvedic preparations to reduce inflammation
- Natural mood enhancer — the aroma of vanilla is scientifically shown to reduce anxiety and stress
- Antibacterial — vanilla extract has natural antibacterial properties, useful in skin care
- May support heart health — vanillin has been studied for its potential to reduce bad cholesterol
How to Store Vanilla Beans
Important: Never refrigerate vanilla beans. Refrigeration destroys moisture and flavour permanently.
Store in the sealed vacuum pack until use. Once opened, transfer to an airtight glass jar and keep in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. Properly stored Kerala vanilla beans retain full aroma and flavour for 1 to 2 years.
Why Buy from Us
We source vanilla beans directly from growers in the highlands of Kerala’s Western Ghats. No middlemen, no artificial processing, no preservatives. Each batch is hand-selected and vacuum sealed to preserve freshness.
We have been selling Wayanad and Kerala highland spices online since 2003 — long before it became fashionable. Our single 2016 review from Aruna says it better than we ever could.
We offer both Grade A and Grade B/C in a single 30 gram pack — you choose the grade that suits your need and budget at checkout.
Buy Kerala Vanilla Beans — Rs.1,199 onwards
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kerala vanilla better than Madagascar vanilla?
Different, not necessarily better — but Kerala highland vanilla has a distinctly richer and more complex aroma profile due to the unique growing conditions. Many professional bakers who have tried both prefer Kerala vanilla for its depth of flavour.
How many vanilla beans come in 30 grams?
Approximately 6 to 10 beans depending on grade and size. Grade A pods are longer and heavier so you get fewer pods. Grade B/C pods are shorter so you get more pods for the same weight.
Can I use these beans for vanilla extract?
Absolutely — in fact Grade B/C beans are the preferred choice for extract making among professional extract producers because the shorter length and lower moisture actually speeds up the extraction process.
Do you ship across India?
Yes. Free shipping across India on all vanilla bean orders. No coupon code needed.
How long will 30 grams last?
For regular home baking a typical home baker uses 1 to 2 pods per week, so 30 grams (6 to 10 pods) will last 1 to 2 months. For vanilla extract making, 30 grams makes approximately 100ml of strong vanilla extract.
Order Now — Free Shipping Across India
Natural product — colour, size, and moisture of beans may vary slightly by season and harvest. Grade A stock is subject to seasonal availability.
