Make Vanilla Extract

Step 22: Longest Bean Award

The Longest Vanilla Bean Award is now maintained at the new site, vanillareview.com. Check out the updated article with more image galleries at www.vanillareview.com.

The "Longest Bean" award is just a fun way to juxtapose different beans and highlight the biggest vanilla beans I've ever seen.

Comments

[fionavanilla]

I have just been reading your instructable on vanilla extract. If you are interested in further research into vanilla beans from different suppliers and places, you should visit vanilla.com Did you know, for example, that vanilla is now being produced in tropical Australia? Also, I have a query. We are one of the new producers of vanilla in Australia. As we are nearing the point where we will have enough beans to process, we need to build/buy an extraction machine for commercial purposes. I wonder whether you have any recommendations or pointers? Many thanks - enjoyed the ride... Fiona Broken Nose Vanilla - a real mean bean! Far North Queensland Australia

[ian]

Hi! It's great to have a real life vanilla grower respond to this instructable! I've been looking for Australian beans to add to the review, but all I've found is a webpage for a group exploring the feasibility of vanilla in AUS. I think most vanilla vendors contract with an outside processor to make their extract. Actually, its common for growers to not even cure their own beans -- this is typically done by specialized curing businesses. There is now a movement away from this practice, as it eliminates the possibility of getting beans all from the same plantation (terrior). Glenn's website, amadeus.com, says that they contract with Gold Coast Ingredients to do their processing. I've seen another US vendor that uses Shanks in Pennsylvania, and a Tahitian vendor that uses a French company. Could you drop me a note at instructables (at) whereisian.com?