Madagascar, Sava - Gourmet Vanilla Beans - Grade A
Regular price $35.00
Unit price per
| Bean Origin: | Madagascar |
| Region: | Sava |
| Bean Grade: | Gourmet - Grade A |
| Moisture Content: | 30-35% |
| Bean Size: | 6-8 inches | 13-20cm |
| Bean Family: | Vanilla Planifolia |
| Certifications: | Vegan, Gluten Free, Halal, Non-GMO ,Kosher |
| Bean Flavor Profile | |
| Tasting Notes: | rich, dark and creamy with an overwhelming sweet, buttery aroma. sweet, earthy, undertones of dried dark fruits |
| Extract Taste: | buttery, creamy , fruity |
| Recommended Extract Spirit: | Vodka, Rums, Bourbons, Brandy |
| Uses: | Extract Making, Baking, Cooking, Breweries, Cocktails |
| Pairing: | Works well with apples, fish, ice cream, melon, milk, peaches, pears and strawberries. |
Welcome to SAVA!
Madagascar is home to an incredible array of unique plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Think lemurs, chameleons and baobab trees! It is also a destination for adventure travelers. Discover its stunning rain forests, coral reefs, pristine white sand beaches and different cultures and ethnic groups.
Madagascar is also the reigning island powerhouse and grower/curer of over two-thirds of the world’s vanilla supply. The high quality of the vanilla produced in SAVA has helped establish Madagascar as a global leader in the vanilla trade.
History of Vanilla Cultivation in SAVA
The Planifolia Vanilla Bean was the first variety introduced to Madagascar in the late 19th century by French colonizers, who saw the island's climate and soil as ideal for growing vanilla beans. Initially, vanilla cultivation occurred near the coast, but over time it became concentrated in a region known as the "orchid triangle". It is also called "SAVA", which corresponds to the initials of the main production towns, namely Sambava, Antalaha, Vohemar and Andapa.
Vanilla farming in SAVA is largely carried out by small-scale farmers, who grow the plants on small plots of land using traditional methods. This process is time-consuming and requires a great deal of skill and expertise. In 2017, the region experienced a cyclone, which devastated many of the vanilla plantations. Due to the high demand for vanilla, the price skyrocketed, making it also a target for theft. Despite these challenges, the vanilla bean industry continues to thrive producing high-quality vanilla beans.
The Perfect Planifolia Bean from SAVA
The SAVA region in Madagascar is renowned for producing some of the world's finest Planifolia Vanilla Beans. Planifolia, also known as Bourbon Vanilla, is a variety of vanilla bean that is known for its rich, creamy flavor and intense aroma.
These beans are long, plump, and slightly curved, with a dark brown color and oily surface. The average length of the bean is around 15 cm (6 inches), although they can range in size from 13-20 cm in length. These beans are known for their high moisture content of between 30% and 35%.
Divine Aromas and Flavoring
They have a rich, sweet aroma with notes of caramel and a creamy, velvety flavor with hints of floral and fruity undertones.
In SAVA, vanilla is a ubiquitous ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Some popular local dishes that make use of vanilla include Ravitoto Sy Hena-kisoa, a stew made with cassava leaves and pork, flavored with ginger, garlic, as well as vanilla and Mofo akondro, a popular Malagasy snack made with mashed ripe plantains mixed with coconut milk, vanilla beans, and sugar.
Storage of Vanilla Beans
Vanilla beans should be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, separate from other spices. They should be kept away from heat, moisture, light, or air.
Over time, vanilla will generally lose moisture as it evolves. If you follow the above advice, you will be sure to be able to keep your vanilla beans at their aromatic best for 12 to 18 months, so that your vanilla is still soft when you come to use it.
The vanilla bean industry in SAVA is a vital part of the region's economy and culture. The high quality of the vanilla produced in this area, combined with its unique flavor profile, is sought after by chefs and food enthusiasts around the world.
How to Make Vanilla Extract
For more information, check out our more detailed homemade extract guide
here: https://nativevanilla.com/blogs/recipes/how-to-make-vanilla-extract
Vanilla Extract Calculator
Calculate how much vanilla you need to make your extract.
https://nativevanilla.com/blogs/recipes/vanilla-extract-calculator
Customer Reviews
Ordered 1/4 lb Tahitian beans. Bean origin Papua New Guinea. Bean family v. Tahitensis. I wanted beans grown in Tahiti, not v. Tahitensis beans grown in PNG. My mistake for not reading more closely. Nothing wrong with PNG, just wanted to experience the Tahitian bean hype for myself and expand from there. That said, the beans arrived within days of ordering, vacuum sealed in plastic. All beans were 6" or slightly longer, 9 beans per ounce. Decent amount of vanilla scent. Glistening. 2 oz were dark brown, appeared fresh with plenty of caviar. Those are soaking in rum. The remaining 2oz were drier, more reddish brown with significant dehydration. These were a different quality altogether, have been set aside and photographed. To date, I've ordered from 3 purveyors. After doing a side by side comparison, NV falls between my 1st choice and my last because mostly, I feel indifferent about my purchase. Pros: Seller's story. Price of beans. Fast and free shipping. Cons: Quality disparity within the same 1/4lb shrink wrapped package.
If it ever gets here I will be able to review it. Why it takes so long to get here is they must use the pony express for delivery.
According to your email, the delivery was sent 20 days ago but I have not received it.
This company never disappoints with their product. I am extremely happy with everything I ordered and it was a speedy delivery. Thank you!
Good quality, look great and smell amazing!