VanillaPura

It's 2 Bean Tuesday!

Today we're comparing the differences between 2 different species of vanilla, both from Mexico. The V.pompona (The Oaxaca) and the V.planifolia (The Veracruz).

Though both species belong to the Vanilla genus and grow as climbing orchids in Mexico's humid forests, V. planifolia and V. pompona are genetically distinct plants with notable physical differences.

Vanilla planifolia—often called Bourbon vanilla when grown in Madagascar or other Indian Ocean islands—produces the slender, elegant beans most familiar to vanilla enthusiasts worldwide. The pods typically measure 15-22 cm in length with a circumference of about 1 cm, featuring a dark brown to black color when properly cured.

Vanilla pompona, by contrast, produces shorter, plumper pods that are distinctly different in appearance. These beans are typically 10-15 cm long but noticeably thicker and more robust, with a broader, almost bulbous shape. The species is sometimes called "vanillón" or "West Indian vanilla," and while less common in commercial production, it has been cultivated in Mexico for centuries alongside its more famous cousin.

And don't forget, as a VanillaPura fan you get a discount on these vanilla beans. Use promo code: 2BEANTUESDAY20% at checkout for 20% off.

www.vanillapura.com/blogs/vanilla-extract-making-1…

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 8

VanillaPura

What's your favorite: Cook Island or Marquesas?

These are two of the largest V.tahitensis vanilla beans that we source. Cook Island is usually available just a few times a year as it comes from a small family farm and is difficult to source.

Check out our Vanilla101 blog on our home page to learn the difference between the two. And don't forget, because you follow us here on YouTube you get an additional discount on these two vanilla beans.

Take 21% Off with promo code: 2BEANTUESYOUTUBE

We're anxious to hear what you think about these two vanilla beans! An article link is included below.

Happy Extract Making!

www.vanillapura.com/blogs/vanilla-extract-making-1…

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 6

VanillaPura

Hi Extract Making Friends of Reddit,

It's 2 Bean Tuesday when we talk about the differences between two different vanilla beans. This week's beans are both V.planifolia species but are grown in two different regions. One in Alor Island Indoensia and the other in Papua New Guinea. It's fun to see and learn how soil and climate have such a big impact on final taste.

When it comes to vanilla beans, the species Vanilla planifolia is the most widely cultivated and beloved variety in the world. But here's something fascinating: not all V. planifolia beans taste the same. Two remarkable examples of this are vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea and Alor Island, Indonesia. Though they share the same botanical lineage, these beans offer distinctly different flavor experiences—and it all comes down to terroir.

What is Terroir?

Terroir is a French term that refers to the unique combination of climate, soil, geography, and cultivation practices that influence the characteristics of agricultural products. Just as terroir affects wine, coffee, and chocolate, it also impacts vanilla beans. The same vanilla orchid species grown in different regions will produce beans with unique flavor profiles shaped by their environment.

Papua New Guinea: Volcanic Richness Meets Tropical Intensity

Climate

Papua New Guinea sits just south of the equator in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, experiencing a tropical climate with high humidity and consistent rainfall throughout the year. The country's mountainous terrain creates microclimates with varying temperatures and moisture levels, providing ideal conditions for vanilla cultivation in specific highland regions.

Soil and Geography

Papua New Guinea's volcanic soil is incredibly rich in minerals and nutrients, thanks to the country's position along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This volcanic terroir contributes to the beans' robust character. The mountainous landscape, with elevations ranging from coastal lowlands to highland plateaus, creates diverse growing conditions that influence bean development.

Flavor Profile

Papua New Guinea vanilla beans are known for their bold, earthy, and complex flavor profile. Expect deep, rich notes with hints of chocolate, smoke, and wood. These beans have a robust vanilla character with a slightly creamy undertone and a warm, lingering finish. The volcanic soil imparts a distinctive mineral quality that sets PNG beans apart from other origins.

Alor Island, Indonesia: Island Terroir and Artisanal Tradition

Climate

Alor Island is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia, located in the Lesser Sunda Islands. The island experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The maritime influence moderates temperatures, while seasonal monsoons bring concentrated periods of rainfall followed by drier months—a pattern that influences the curing and flavor development of the beans.

Soil and Geography

Alor Island's soil composition differs from Papua New Guinea's volcanic richness. While still mineral-rich, the island's terroir includes a mix of limestone and clay soils with excellent drainage. The island's smaller size and coastal proximity mean that vanilla orchids benefit from sea breezes and maritime influences. The terrain is hilly but less dramatically mountainous than Papua New Guinea, creating a different microclimate for vanilla cultivation.

Flavor Profile

Alor Island Indonesian vanilla beans offer a distinctly different experience. These beans are characterized by their smooth, creamy vanilla flavor with pronounced chocolate and caramel notes. They tend to be sweeter and more mellow than their Papua New Guinea counterparts, with a velvety texture and a rich, buttery finish. The maritime influence and unique soil composition contribute to a more refined, less earthy character.

More information found here: www.vanillapura.com/collections/2-bean-tuesday

And don't forget one of the perks for being one of our YouTube subscribers - if you decide you would like to try either you can take 25% Off with this code: 2BEANTUESYOUTUBE

Happy vanilla growing and thanks for journeying along with us!

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 8

VanillaPura

Hello Extract Making Friends,

It's 2-Bean Tuesday - a day where we compare and contrast 2 different vanilla beans across all of our social media groups to promote learning more about the differences in vanilla beans and how species, soil and origin play an important role in the final taste of vanilla extract and other vanilla products.

In addition, we're offering an exclusive 25% Off discount for our YouTube subscribers only, with coupon code: 2BEANTUESYOUTUBE for the 2 different beans we're exploring. (Link below)

Today we're exploring the differences between 2 different species of vanilla beans grown in the same Eastern region of Indonesian: The V.planifolia (The Papua) and the V.tahitensis (The Sentani).

It's an interesting comparison of species distinction their similar region of cultivation. Meaning, the differences between them are mostly species related, and the differences are significant. Links are below to the detailed article and to the product pages so you can explore for yourself.

Flavor Profile: Classic vs. Delicate

Indonesian Planifolia

Indonesian Planifolia beans deliver the classic vanilla experience you know and love. Expect rich, buttery notes with undertones of mocha, earthy depth, and a full-bodied vanilla flavor that stands up beautifully in bold applications. This is the traditional vanilla profile that most people recognize and crave but with darker mocha notes that make it different from traditional Madagascar vanilla.

Indonesian Tahitensis

In contrast, Indonesian Tahitensis beans offer a lighter, more delicate profile. These beans showcase soft fruit notes, sweet vanilla character, and distinctive cherry and anise undertones. The flavor is more nuanced and floral, making it perfect for applications where you want vanilla to complement rather than dominate.
Physical Characteristics:

Size Matters

While both varieties are premium quality, Tahitensis beans are typically a little smaller than their Planifolia counterparts. Don't let the size difference fool you—Tahitensis beans pack plenty of flavor despite their more petite stature. When making extract, remember to use the ratio of 1oz of beans for every 8oz of alcohol, regardless of which variety you choose. This is an example of purchasing vanilla beans by weight and not by count. Tahitensis are smaller and will give more beans/oz than Planifolia.

Explore both products: www.vanillapura.com/collections/2-bean-tuesday

Read the full article for extract-making spirit recommendations and more: www.vanillapura.com/blogs/vanilla-extract-making-1…

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 5

VanillaPura

Closing Sunday - Lots of great cyber week savings including $5.99/oz Madagascar vanilla and up to $120 in free e-gift cards! Click the link below to see everything that is part of this year's cyber week:

www.vanillapura.com/collections/sweet-deals-rare-o…

#vanillapura #onlinekindness #freebeansforkindwords #vanilla #vanillaextract #gourmetvanilla #goodqualityvanilla #vanillabeans #diyvanilla #diyextract #homemadevanilla #homemadeextract #theartofextractmaking #bekind #behappy #besweet #vanillabeancoop #vanillabeangroupbuy #kindnessmatters #sweetnessmatters #vanillextractkit #cybermondayvanilla #vanillasale

3 months ago | [YT] | 0

VanillaPura

Black Magic is Back on Black Friday!

5 different vanilla bean species, 1 pouch and 1 mystifyingly sweet vanilla extract experience. Available now for the 1st and ONLy time in 2025! Also, take a look at our Black Magic extract jar that comes with a FREE gold Black Magic label.

www.vanillapura.com/collections/the-black-magic-co…

#vanillapura #onlinekindness #freebeansforkindwords #vanilla #vanillaextract #gourmetvanilla #goodqualityvanilla #vanillabeans #diyvanilla #diyextract #homemadevanilla #homemadeextract #theartofextractmaking #bekind #behappy #besweet #vanillabeancoop #vanillabeangroupbuy #kindnessmatters #sweetnessmatters #artisanvanilla #vanillablend #extractblends #blackmagic

3 months ago | [YT] | 6

VanillaPura

Introducing Artisan Extracts - Exquisite Flavors -Just Add Spirits

Extract making usually begins with vanilla beans in vodka. When you learn and perfect the art of extract making, you find a world of new flavors. Fill your flavor cabinet with these Artisan Extract Flavors. Mocha Extract, Honey Spiced Extract, Winter Spice, Spiced Haven, Coffee Cinnamon and more. Just add spirits!

www.vanillapura.com/collections/artisan-extract-bl…

#vanillapura #onlinekindness #freebeansforkindwords #vanilla #vanillaextract #gourmetvanilla #goodqualityvanilla #vanillabeans #diyvanilla #diyextract #homemadevanilla #homemadeextract #theartofextractmaking #bekind #behappy #besweet #vanillabeancoop #vanillabeangroupbuy #kindnessmatters #sweetnessmatters #artisanvanilla #vanillablend #extractblends

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5 6

3 months ago | [YT] | 5

VanillaPura

October Deals - Closing Halloween Night

Take 16% Off Our October Collection

Promo Code: 16OCT2025 at Checkout.

Ends Halloween at Midnight!

www.vanillapura.com/collections/october-collection

#vanillapura #onlinekindness #freebeansforkindwords #vanilla #vanillaextract #vanillabeans #diyvanilla #diyextract #homemadevanilla #homemadeextract #theartofextractmaking #bekind #behappy #besweet #vanillabeancoop #vanillabeangroupbuy #kindnessmatters #sweetnessmatters #octobervanilla #halloweenvanilla #vanillaforfall

4 months ago | [YT] | 3

VanillaPura

Hi Everyone! Paul & Jill here, asking you to join us in making October 19th a sweet Sunday.

With so much vitriol, divisiveness and fear on social media these days, we want to change the trends and fight the algorithms to promote kindness, unity and caring. Our mission at VanillaPura has always been to make the world sweeter, one vanilla bean at a time.

On October 19th, please take a moment to make something sweet, say something sweet or do something sweet and share it on your social media with #SweetSunday.

It could be as simple as offering an online compliment to a friend you haven't connected with in a while. It could be making cookies, brownies or a sweet treat with your extracts and sharing them with neighbors, first responders or residents and patients in any kind of local care facility.

We share these experiences not to be boastful, but to give others ideas on what they can do and to fill social media with kindness for a day.

To celebrate Sweet Sundays, we have created a Sweet Sunday vanilla blend that comes with a free extract label. This blend was originally our Mixed Medley that we rolled out just once a year with surplus inventory. Instead of doing one big Mixed Medley offer each year, we thought it more encouraging of online kindness to offer this blend more frequently on months that we celebrate Sweet Sunday. It's a very low-price vanilla blend made of surplus inventory. Much like the way we show and express kindness, no two pouches of our Sweet Sunday blend are ever the same.

Please join us on October 19th to Make something sweet, say something sweet or do something sweet. And don't forget to add #SweetSunday to your post and let's fill social media with sweetness together.

Here's the link to our Sweet Sunday blend to learn more:

www.vanillapura.com/products/sweet-sunday-vanilla-…

5 months ago | [YT] | 3

VanillaPura

Happy Labor Day!

The first Monday of September is the day we celebrate the social and economic achievements of American Workers. We call it Labor Day - a day when many of us rest from work, as a result of the efforts of hard working Americans. It's the "unofficial" end of summer and a fun time to gather with family to create memories. It's a great time to buy an American spirit and make a memorable extract to be used for Labor Day desserts and baking next year.

Enjoy 20% Off 25 of our most popular vanilla beans and extract jars through tonight at midnight.

The discount is applied automatically at checkout and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Happy extracting and Happy Labor Day!

www.vanillapura.com/collections/labor-day-sale

#vanillapura #onlinekindness #freebeansforkindwords #vanilla #vanillaextract #vanillabeans #diyvanilla #diyextract #homemadevanilla #homemadeextract #theartofextractmaking #bekind #behappy #besweet #vanillabeancoop #vanillabeangroupbuy #kindnessmatters #sweetnessmatters #laborday2025 #laborday #labordaysale

6 months ago | [YT] | 2