Vanilla beans are popular for the highly aromatic, strong smell and rich flavor. Such a characteristic of vanilla makes it a high-value ingredient in many great kitchens around the world.
Not all vanilla beans are the same, however, this is where Grade A comes in. The best of the best when it comes to quality, offering superior flavor, aroma, and overall performance in recipes. So, how would you recognize a Grade A vanilla bean?
Let’s explore the criteria defining this super-high-quality product and learn how to select the best beans for your recipes.
Appearance and Characteristics of Grade A Beans
Any intelligent guess on the quality of vanilla can be had through its appearance. Grade A beans are “gourmet” or “prime” vanilla beans because of a superior attribute in the bean’s physical presentation.
Length and Size: Grade A vanilla beans are bigger in size and fleshy compared to Grade B. They are usually 6 to 9 inches in length. That is, they should be of long length and big size. This usually is an indication that they contain the concentrated vanillin, the active ingredient for the flavor of vanilla.
Color: Select beans that are dark, rich brown to almost black in color. High-quality vanilla beans should also have a slight sheen to them, which indicates their level of moisture. A dull or extremely dry bean will lack the depth of flavor in Grade A beans.
The bean will be smooth and plump. If it is dry, you can assume that it’s not a Grade A bean since the premium beans show very slight elasticity. This makes them easy to split open and scrape. Madagascar Vanilla Beans Exporter are the best to purchase quality vanilla beans.
Unique Flavor of Grade A Beans
Grade A vanilla beans are drinkable which accounts for their use in most desserts, beverages as well as savory applications.
Quality/Vanilla Flavor: Good quality beans should have an intense aroma when opening up their packaging for the first time. There should be a warm aroma, inviting smell that intermingles with floral, woody, and spicy undertones. Badly qualified vanilla lacks this characteristic and has a weak smell, almost old.
Balance: It should be both strong and balanced at the same time. Avoid over-powering single notes, as earthy or sharp ethanol aromas will dominate the scene. Good quality beans have a well-balanced smell that changes during respiration.
Freshness and Quality – Moisture Content
One of the defining features of Grade A vanilla beans is the moisture, which is mainly critical to both the flavor content and usability of the bean.
Flexible and Pliable: Grade A beans retain 30-35% moisture, so they are quite soft and pliable. You should be able to curve the bean without breaking it. This is a good sign that it’s fresh. Grade B beans are drier, with a brittle texture, really better suited for extracts than for direct culinary use.
Oiliness: The water content helps to keep the surface oily. A bean with the shine on the outside is hydrated and more likely to be Grade A. While a dry dull bean is less likely to be Grade A. The oiliness of Grade A beans makes them much preferable for infusions into creams, sauces, and syrups, so the flavor is able to distribute consistently.
Percentage of Vanillin Content
The primary flavor component within a vanilla bean is vanillin. The difference in flavor that exists between a grade A and a grade B is also significant because the main flavoring agent, vanillin, is more concentrated in grade A beans.
Natural Crystals: You may sometimes find tiny little crystals on the surface of the bean. These are natural vanillin crystals and a good sign of quality. Do not, however be panic-stricken if you fail to find all the beans. Contact Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Exporter for bulk purchase of vanilla.
Consistent Flavor Profile: Using Grade A beans will help you achieve consistency and roundness in flavor balanced between sweetness, woodiness, and floral flavors. Lower-grade beans may taste dull or unbalanced and often fail to offer the complexity that the Grade A counterpart would give you.
Conclusion:
Selecting the best Grade, A vanilla bean takes more than just reaching down and pulling off the one on the shelf that strikes your fancy. Simply, you are looking for Grade A vanilla beans that are fat in appearance and aromatic, have a minimum moisture content and the concentration of vanillin.
In that way, you can rest assured that the bean you are investing in will improve your dish. Investing in Grade A vanilla beans brings a world of authenticity in rich flavor to your kitchen and is worth every penny spent. So, the next time you make a trip to the store for some vanilla, take these tips with you and enjoy the delightful difference that true quality vanilla can bring.
