Delitaliana Gourmet Vanilla Beans, Approximately 5~6 Inches (Pack of 5)

These beans worked perfect for my first time ever homemade vanilla extract. There were a total of 10 beans averaging about 5-6 inches each. They were not all the same size either, some were fatter and more plump while others were a bit on the thin side. I have never worked with vanilla bean before and it was quite an experience. The smell was absolutely amazing when I cut into the bean and exposed the seeds. The seeds inside are so tiny and there are thousands of them in each bean. I placed the beans into an amber bottle and filled it up with vodka. After about 8 weeks and consistently shaking the bottle each day, I had vanilla extract that was ready for gifting. It turned out so amazing and it was so different from what I'm used to from the store. I will certainly be giving this another go for the holidays next year. Instead of discarding the bean, I dried them out and put them into a jar with sugar so I can have vanilla sugar. The beans can be used for so many things and I believe it is well worth the purchase.

It says very plainly in the description these vanilla beans are from Madagascar, but the label on the back of the package says New Guinea. I haven't even opened the package yet, but the beans are totally stiff and dried out like sticks, and even through the packaging I detect these are the same kind of bean I ordered before from some other seller that I didn't like the aroma of. If they are from Madagascar, they should be Bourbon beans, not that other kind from other countries. The expiration date is only 5 weeks away. If the advertisement says Madagascar as the place of origin, then that's where they should be from. Over all, not good - different variety of bean than advertised, completely different country of origin, old and dried out. Maybe other people have gotten lucky with these people, but I wasn't. I am making vanilla for gifts and wanted it to be special. Oh well . . . .

I have used vanilla beans to make vanilla extract for years, and these are the worst vanilla beans I have ever had to pay for. They are dry and hard. Several beans are partly white, and it is difficult to tell whether it is mold or just an unripe bean. They do not smell like vanilla beans usually smell. I wish I did not purchase these, I guess I should have known that I get what I pay for...and unfortunately I can not return them.

The vanilla beans I received were HARD. I could break them like a stick and they would snap. The clear plastic package they came in was stained from being in contact with the beans. The package wasn't damaged and the expiration date on them was still good, so I'm assuming they weren't stored properly. Since I was planning to make vanilla with these beans it's not a total loss (I hope). They will be soaking in vodka for the next six months. I may buy some more (from another seller, of course) to add to these just to be sure.

Was surprised at how high the vanilla beans are right now. I paid the same price for twice the amount last time I ordered these - I did read there is a shortage on them pushing the price up. I bought them to make my own vanilla essence. I put one pod in a jar with vodka and then let them sit, shaking occasionally. Already getting some color now after a few days, but I will leave them a few months yet till I start using it. Even with price rise, it's still a much more economical way to get vanilla essence as it's so pricy in the stores for the tiniest amount. I'm very happy with this purchase and would purchase again.

I bought two packages; one with 5 beans and one with 10. I got a bonus extra bean in the 5 pack making it 6, but they were dry. Still, I knew I would only be using them for making extract, so I'm not too disappointed. The package with 10 beans are plump, but not very juicy. Still, they're pliable, and should make good extract like the type of beans I used from another seller. It's only because the smaller package were drier that I gave this 4 stars, but the packages were well sealed, and delivered in a timely manner, so I'm overall pleased with the purchase.

The package states that you get ten beans-so does the description but my package only had 8 in them. Very upset being that I paid for 10

I've been making my own vanilla extract for at least 15 years, and these beans came as fresh and aromatic as any I've bought n the past. There was a hint of "juice" that leaked in the vacuum sealed pouch and the beans bent with ease when tested.I also ordered another brand of Tahitian beans because I like to use a couple different varieties, and these Delitaliana beans were far larger and plumper than the others. I'm very happy with my purchase.