What is Grade A vanilla and how is it different from Grade B?

Grade A (Gourmet) vanilla beans are 16+ cm long, have 30-35% moisture content, are flexible and oily with a rich aroma. Grade B (Extract Grade) beans are shorter, drier (15-25% moisture), may have splits or blemishes, but retain high vanillin content — making them ideal for extract production at lower cost.

What moisture content should vanilla beans have?

Grade A gourmet vanilla should have 30-35% moisture content. Extract-grade beans range from 15-25%. Beans below 15% moisture are considered too dry and may have lost aromatic compounds. Beans above 38% risk mould development during storage and transport.

How can you tell if vanilla beans are high quality?

High-quality vanilla beans are flexible (not brittle), have a glossy, oily appearance, produce a strong sweet aroma, are dark brown to black in colour, and measure 16+ cm for Grade A. Avoid beans with white mould spots, musty smells, or excessive dryness.

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How to Grade Vanilla Beans: Moisture, Length, and Aroma Explained

By Cakglo Team · March 2026 · 7 min read

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How to Grade Vanilla Beans: Moisture, Length, and Aroma Explained

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