Product details
Black Gourmet Grade A specifications
Black Gourmet is a Grade A Bourbon vanilla bean (Vanilla planifolia) from Mananara Nord, Madagascar, 15 to 22 cm long and certified organic by Ecocert (MG-BIO-154). It is our top presentation grade; its characteristics vary slightly from one harvest lot to the next. Sorted and massaged by hand, bean by bean, during the final conditioning in Antananarivo: this is what makes it so oily and fragrant.
| Product | Whole Grade A vanilla beans / Black Gourmet |
| Botanical variety | Vanilla planifolia (Bourbon) |
| Origin | Mananara Nord, Madagascar |
| Length | 15 to 22 cm, varies by lot |
| Appearance | Whole beans, dark brown to black, supple |
| Packaging | Vacuum-sealed to preserve aroma and suppleness |
| Sizes | 5 beans, 50 g, 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg, 2.5 kg, 3 kg, 4 kg, 5 kg |
| Stock | Shipped from France |
| Certification | Certified organic — EU Organic, Ecocert (MG-BIO-154) |
In every bag
Grade A vanilla is a natural agricultural product: each bag is tied to a specific harvest lot, not to a generic product sheet.
- Whole Grade A beans from a single lot
- Lot and origin identification
- Vacuum-sealed to keep the beans supple
In the kitchen
Where Grade A beans make the difference
Pastry
Creams, entremets and plated desserts, with the bean split and scraped.
Ice cream and desserts
Infused in milk or cream, it leaves the black specks of real vanilla.
Homemade extract
Supple, oily beans that flavor alcohol well.
Professional kitchens
Restaurants, hotels and pastry shops: sizes up to 5 kg for regular use.
Compare the grades
Grade A or extraction grade?
Grade A is chosen for the appearance and suppleness of the whole bean; extraction grades (Red US, Red Souple EU, Red Split) are used to make extract, where yield comes first. See also our guide vanilla grades explained.
| Product | Presentation | Best for | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Gourmet · Grade A | Whole, supple presentation beans | Pastry, desserts, homemade extract | Available |
| Red US | Whole extraction beans | Extracts and the food industry | Coming soon to Europe |
| Red Souple EU | Supple extraction beans | Extracts and the food industry | Coming soon to Europe |
| Red Split | Split extraction beans | Extract and flavoring manufacturers | Coming soon to Europe |
Frequently asked questions
Your questions about Grade A vanilla beans
Quality, uses, organic certification, sizes, shipping and storage of Black Gourmet.
What is a Grade A Madagascar vanilla bean?
These are whole gourmet beans, selected for their suppleness, appearance, aroma and presentation. We offer this grade under the name Black Gourmet: Vanilla planifolia from Mananara Nord, Madagascar.
What is the difference between Grade A and extraction grades?
Black Gourmet Grade A beans are chosen when the appearance, suppleness and presentation of the whole bean matter. Extraction grades, such as Red US, Red Souple EU, Red Split and Short & Cuts, are mainly used to make extract, for their yield.
What are Grade A vanilla beans used for?
Pastry, ice cream, creams, confectionery, infusions, homemade extract and any dish where the whole bean is showcased.
How long are the beans?
The Black Gourmet beans on this page are selected between 15 and 22 cm. The exact length, moisture and appearance vary naturally from one lot to the next.
What sizes can I order?
From a bag of 5 beans up to 5 kg: 5 beans, 50 g, 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg, 2.5 kg, 3 kg, 4 kg and 5 kg. The larger the size, the lower the price per kilo: vanilla bean prices explained.
Are these beans certified organic?
Yes, by Ecocert (EU Organic, MG-BIO-154). Check the certificate
Where are the beans shipped from?
From our stock in France, delivered throughout the European Union. Shipping and returns
How should I store the beans?
The beans are vacuum-sealed to preserve their aroma and suppleness. Keep the bags closed in a cool, dry place, away from heat and light; do not refrigerate or freeze. Once opened, store them in an airtight jar.
Which payment methods do you accept?
PayPal, or Visa and Mastercard cards via PayPal. Frequently asked questions