Product Reviews and Ratings - org.apache.xml.dtm.ref.DTMNodeIterator@18f8f00

Buy the Madagascar Vanilla Bean on http://www.igourmet.com

(based on 5 ratings)

Located in: Dry Goods, Spices

Although the fragrant climbing orchid that produces vanilla beans is native to Mexico, Madagascar Vanilla Beans set the standard of excellence for vanilla flavor. Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island at just over 1,000 miles long and 350 miles wide, and is located 250 miles off the eastern coast of Africa. This island is crisscrossed by no fewer than six micro-climates and among these climates is the ideal environment for growing vanilla beans. The long, narrow seedpods that become vanilla beans are carefully cut from the vine while green and cured by sweating under blankets. This process gives them both their dark, black color and their sweet, aromatic flavor. Vanilla beans are most commonly used in baking, and they provide a much stronger vanilla flavoring than vanilla extract. To use the bean, split it down the middle and scrape the seeds into whatever you are making. The interior seed mass contains the majority of the flavor, but the exterior of the pod does contain some flavor. When using vanilla beans in sauces, custards or ice creams, steep the bean in the liquid as well. Half a bean is sufficient for most single recipes.

Package contains 2 whole vanilla beans.

More information for the Madagascar Vanilla Bean

Review Snapshot®

Avg. Customer Rating:

4.8 stars

(based on 5 reviews)

100% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:

Flavorful(5), Fresh(4)

Best Uses:

Baking(4), Cooking(3), Seasoning(4)

Describe Yourself:

Foodie(4)

great value for the money

By chef linda

from oakley, ca on 8/16/2008

Pros:

Flavorful

Best Uses:

Baking, Cooking, Seasoning

Describe Yourself:

Chef, Foodie, Frequent Diner, Health Conscious, Simple Tastes

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Madagascar Vanilla Bean:

I'm a pastry chef and this is a REALLY good value for the money! Scrape out the insides for ANYTHING! Scrape out the insides of a couple of these and add the "pods" to a pint of vodka, and in a month or so, you'll have GREAT VANILLA!!!

I would buy this product again.

By Remshott

from MD on 8/12/2008

Pros:

Flavorful, Fresh

Best Uses:

Seasoning

Describe Yourself:

Foodie, Health Conscious

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Madagascar Vanilla Bean:

I use the beans in pies and in making syrup for my iced teas.

excellent value

By new gourmet from roseville. california on 5/22/2008

Pros:

Flavorful, Fresh, Healthy

Best Uses:

Baking, Cooking, Seasoning

Describe Yourself:

Foodie

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Madagascar Vanilla Bean:

Excellent product, great distinct flavor to any baking or seasoning I am doing!

Best price

By Adina from Glastonbury, CT on 4/19/2008

Pros:

Flavorful, Fresh, Non Perishable

Cons:

Bulky Packaging

Best Uses:

Baking, Cooking, Seasoning

Describe Yourself:

Love to Cook

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Madagascar Vanilla Bean:

I take it out of the packaging and soak it i a jar with bourbon. When ready to use it , the vanilla beans are soft and easy to use and the bourbon is flavored and can be used in souses, puddings etc.

What a difference in my creme brulee!

By Madeleine

from Clovis, CA on 1/3/2008

Pros:

Flavorful, Fresh, Non Perishable

Best Uses:

Baking, Creme brule

Describe Yourself:

Foodie, Frequent Diner

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Madagascar Vanilla Bean:

These beans really made my creme brulee. I have used the same recipe before, but have never used whole bean vanilla with it and opted for the extract. The whole beans I purchased before from the stores were not fresh and were difficult to work with - extract seemed safer. Igourmet beans were fresh and pliable and really made this dish the best I have ever tasted.

Customer Reviews about the Madagascar Vanilla Bean at igourmet