Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Ecuadorian Vanilla Tahitensis different from Madagascar/Bourbon vanilla?
Madagascar/Bourbon vanilla is known for its classic, creamy, “traditional” vanilla profile.
Our Ecuadorian Vanilla tahitensis is naturally more aromatic and complex—with bright floral notes, gentle fruitiness, and a soft, delicate warmth.
Because it’s grown in Ecuador’s unique microclimate and carefully hand-cured, it delivers a more layered, perfume-like vanilla that stands out in pastry creams, custards, whipped cream, ice cream, coffee, and even savory sauces.
2. What does Tahitensis vanilla taste like?
Our Ecuadorian Tahitensis beans have a fragrant, almost “bouquet-like” aroma and flavor. Customers often describe it as:
Floral and slightly fruity
Warm and comforting
Gently nutty and caramel-like on the finish
It’s vanilla with more dimension—amazing when you want the vanilla to shine as the star ingredient, not just sit in the background.
3. How do I use whole vanilla beans in recipes?
Using whole beans is simple and incredibly rewarding:
Split the bean
Lay the pod flat, hold one end, and run a sharp knife lengthwise down the center.
Scrape the caviar
Use the back of the knife to scrape out the tiny black seeds (“caviar”).
Use in your recipe
Add the seeds directly to batters, custards, cream, coffee, chocolate, or anything you want to infuse with deep vanilla flavor.
Don’t throw away the pod
Simmer the empty pod in cream, milk, or syrup to infuse it.
Dry it and blend with sugar for vanilla sugar.
Tuck it into a jar of coffee, rice, or sugar for a slow, gentle infusion.
4. How many beans do I need for extract, sugar, or recipes?
Here are some helpful guidelines:
Homemade vanilla extract:
Use about 6–10 beans or 1 oz per 8 oz (240 mL) of alcohol (vodka, rum, or bourbon), depending on how intense you like it.
Vanilla sugar:
Add 2–3 beans to about 2 cups of sugar. Let it sit for at least 1–2 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Baking & desserts:
1 bean ≈ 1–2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (varies by recipe and taste).
For recipes where vanilla is the star (custards, ice cream, whipped cream), don’t be shy about using one full bean.
5. What are vanillin crystals? Is this mold?
If you see small white crystals on your beans, good news—
that’s usually vanillin crystallizing, not mold.
Vanillin crystals:
Look like tiny sugar grains or frost.
Scratch off easily.
Are a sign of high-quality, high-vanillin beans.
Mold:
Looks fuzzy or dusty.
Spreads in patches.
Can be grey, green, or white with a fuzzy texture.
If you’re ever unsure, feel free to contact us with a photo—we’re happy to help you identify what you’re seeing.
6. What’s the difference between Grade A and Grade B beans? Which do you sell?
Grade A (Gourmet) beans
Plump, oily, flexible
Higher moisture content
Perfect for baking, pastry, and any recipe where the bean is front and center
Grade B (Extract) beans
Drier, less oily
Ideal for long-term extraction in alcohol
Often cheaper and less visually “pretty”
Our bulk Ecuadorian Tahitensis beans are premium, gourmet-quality (Grade A)—plump, aromatic, and ideal for both baking and making extract, so you don’t have to choose.
7. How should I store vanilla beans to keep them fresh?
To keep your beans soft, fragrant, and long-lasting:
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Keep them in a sealed bag or vacuum-sealed pouch placed inside an airtight container or jar.
Avoid storing them in the fridge or freezer (this can cause condensation and damage).
Check them periodically—if they start to feel a bit dry, you can add a small piece of parchment to help regulate moisture, but they should never sit in liquid.
8. How long do vanilla beans last?
When stored properly, our beans maintain excellent aroma and flavor for up to two years.
Over time, they may become slightly less flexible, but they’re still perfectly usable for:
Extract
Sugar
Infusions
As long as there is no mold, a slightly drier bean can still deliver wonderful flavor.
9. Can I freeze vanilla beans?
We don’t recommend freezing vanilla beans.
Freezing and thawing can:
Damage the delicate cell structure
Affect moisture balance
Shorten their aromatic life
Instead, store them in a dark, cool cupboard in an airtight container as described above. Properly stored, they last a long time without freezing.
10. Why is your vanilla priced differently than other brands I see online?
Vanilla is a labor-intensive crop, and extremely low prices often mean someone in the chain isn’t being paid fairly.
With Dadora Vanilla:
We grow, harvest, and cure our own beans in Ecuador.
We pay fair wages and reinvest into our local community.
We use careful, time-intensive curing methods to maximize aroma and flavor—not to cut corners.
You’re not just buying vanilla; you’re supporting ethical sourcing, transparent farming, and a traceable supply chainfrom our farm to your kitchen.
11. Do you grow and cure your own vanilla? What does “farm-to-table vanilla” mean?
Yes. Our vanilla is truly farm-to-table.
We began planting Vanilla tahitensis orchids in Ecuador in 2019.
The beans are grown in Esmeraldas and then cured in the highlands, using traditional sun-curing and careful monitoring.
Because we oversee every step—from orchid to finished bean—we know exactly how it’s grown, harvested, and handled.
Farm-to-table for us means: you get fresh, single-origin vanilla directly from the people who grow it, not from anonymous brokers.
12. Are your beans single-origin?
Yes. Our vanilla beans come exclusively from our partner farms and facilities in Ecuador—they are single-origin Ecuadorian Tahitensis.
This consistency in origin means:
More reliable flavor profile
Transparent and ethical sourcing
A unique taste that reflects Ecuador’s terroir
13. How big are the pods and what is their moisture like?
Our Ecuadorian Tahitensis beans are:
Typically 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) long
Plump, glossy, and flexible
High-moisture, gourmet-quality beans ideal for baking, infusions, and extract
Because vanilla is a natural product, there will always be a bit of variation in length and thickness, but we curate for quality and strong aroma.
14. How many beans come in each size option?
We sell by weight, but here’s an approximate guide to bean counts:
8.8 oz (250 g): ~63–83 beans
1.1 lb (500 g): ~125–167 beans
2.2 lbs (1 kg): ~250–333 beans
Each bean weighs about 3 grams, though there is natural variation in size and moisture.
Quick reference:
10 beans ≈ 1 oz (30 g) — a common quantity used for vanilla-based recipes and homemade extract.
Please note: exact counts may vary from batch to batch.
15. Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?
Yes. We offer wholesale and bulk options for:
Bakeries & patisseries
Cafés & restaurants
Ice cream and dessert businesses
Small-batch producers and serious home bakers
If you’re interested in bulk quantities, please visit our Wholesale Inquiries page or contact us directly. We’re happy to help you choose the right quantities and formats.
16. Do you ship internationally? How long does shipping take?
Yes, we ship worldwide.
Shipping rates and options are calculated at checkout based on your location and order size.
Delivery times vary by country; you can see estimates during checkout.
For more details on international destinations, customs considerations, and timelines, please check our Shipping Policy page.
17. What is your return or replacement policy?
We want you to love your vanilla.
Because vanilla is a food product, we generally cannot accept returns of opened items. However, if:
Your order arrives damaged
You believe there is a quality issue
You received the wrong item
Please contact us as soon as possible with your order number and a brief description (and photos, if helpful). We’ll review the situation and work with you on a replacement or another solution.
18. Can I make my own vanilla extract with your beans?
Absolutely—our beans are perfect for homemade extract.
Basic method:
Add 6–10 whole beans (split lengthwise) to an 8 oz (240 mL) bottle of vodka, rum, or bourbon.
Seal, shake, and store in a cool, dark place.
Shake the bottle every few days for the first couple of weeks, then occasionally.
Let it steep for at least 6 months, longer for a deeper flavor.
You can top off the bottle with more alcohol as you use it, and occasionally add a fresh bean or two to keep it strong.
19. Do you offer gift packaging or bundles?
Yes, we offer bundles and gift-friendly options that may include:
Whole beans
Vanilla powder
Vanilla extract or DIY extract kits
These make beautiful gifts for home bakers, coffee lovers, and anyone who loves to cook. Check our Bundles or Gifts section to see current offerings.
20. Are your products organic, kosher, or allergen-friendly?
Our vanilla is grown using natural, organic-style practices (no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers), but it is not currently certified organic.
Our products are not certified kosher, though the ingredients themselves are simple: vanilla beans (and alcohol for extract).
We do not add dairy, nuts, gluten, soy, or artificial flavors to our vanilla beans or pure powder. However, if you have severe allergies, please review product labels and feel free to contact us with specific questions.
21. What payment methods do you accept? We offer a secure, easy checkout experience. We accept:
- Major credit & debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
- Digital wallets: PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, Meta Pay
Contact Us:
Still have questions? We’re here for you:
- Phone: +1 619-313-0885
- Email: sales@dadoravanilla.com
- Address: P.O. Box 12056, 815 E Street, San Diego, CA 92112, USA
We’re committed to making your experience with Dadora Vanilla outstanding.