Sentani (Indonesian) – Positioned in the "Light & Sweet" quadrant, Sentani vanilla beans from Indonesia offer a delicate sweetness with floral undertones. These beans are perfect for light desserts and fruit-based recipes, providing a subtle yet refined vanilla flavor.
Hawaiian Vanilla – Hawaiian vanilla beans have a rich tropical sweetness, making them stand out in the "Light & Sweet" category. Alongside their sweet vanilla base, these beans are complemented by hints of tropical fruits such as guava and mango, making them an ideal choice for tropical-themed desserts or light, creamy pastries.
Madagascar Vanilla – Known for its classic, buttery flavor, Madagascar vanilla falls in the "Buttery & Creamy" section. This variety is the most popular globally, featuring rich, sweet vanilla notes with a hint of creaminess. It’s a versatile bean, suitable for everything from baked goods to homemade vanilla extracts.
Ecuadorian Vanilla – Ecuadorian vanilla is placed near the intersection of the "Bold & Fruity" and "Light & Sweet" categories. With its vibrant notes of plum, cherry, and apricot, it stands out for its fruity and floral characteristics. This makes it an excellent choice for delicate desserts where the bold fruity flavors can be showcased.
Tahitian Vanilla (Tahitensis) – Grown in regions like Tahiti and Papua New Guinea, Tahitian vanilla is in the "Bold & Fruity" quadrant. This variety offers a strong, fruity aroma with floral notes, making it ideal for recipes that benefit from a punch of exotic flavor, such as fruit creams, custards, and tropical desserts.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) Vanilla (Planifolia) – Known for its dark and earthy profile, vanilla from Papua New Guinea (Planifolia) falls within the "Dark & Earthy" quadrant. These beans have a deep, smoky vanilla flavor with rich chocolate undertones, perfect for pairing with dark chocolate desserts or bold, intense sauces.
Tongan Vanilla – Tongan vanilla beans are bold and fruity, with distinct cherry notes and a subtle licorice finish. Falling in the "Bold & Fruity" section, these beans are ideal for recipes requiring a more adventurous vanilla flavor, like fruit-forward desserts and specialty ice creams.
Mexican Vanilla – Mexican vanilla is placed in the "Buttery & Creamy" section, offering a deep, rich vanilla flavor with a slight hint of smokiness. Known for its creamy texture and caramel-like notes, it pairs wonderfully with chocolate-based desserts or recipes requiring a deeper vanilla flavor.
Ugandan Vanilla – These beans stand out in the "Bold & Fruity" quadrant. Known for their rich notes of dried fruit, such as raisins and figs, Ugandan vanilla also carries subtle coffee and mocha undertones. This variety is excellent for enhancing baked goods, especially those with fruits or nuts.
Kerema (PNG) – Found in the "Light & Sweet" quadrant, Kerema vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea offer a bright, fruity flavor with delicate floral notes. Their light and elegant taste makes them perfect for light desserts, creams, and pastries where a subtle vanilla flavor is desired.
Indonesian (Sumatra and Salatiga) – Beans from Indonesia’s Sumatra and Salatiga regions are known for their dark, smoky vanilla flavors. These beans fall in the "Dark & Earthy" section and provide robust, earthy tones, ideal for bold desserts like chocolate brownies or mocha-flavored dishes.
Mauritius Vanilla – Positioned in the "Buttery & Creamy" category, vanilla beans from Mauritius offer a rich, creamy flavor with a buttery texture. These beans are ideal for traditional desserts, such as cakes, custards, and vanilla sauces.
Tanzania Vanilla – At the intersection of various flavor profiles, Tanzanian vanilla offers a balanced blend of sweet and creamy vanilla with subtle earthy undertones. These beans are versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from pastries to ice creams.
Fijian Vanilla – Known for its bold and fruity profile, Fijian vanilla beans bring exotic, tropical flavors to the table. They are perfect for enhancing fruit-based dishes or tropical desserts with their bright, fruity notes.