Specifications

Product specification tables

Typical specifications for every Ugandan vanilla format we supply. Values are ranges observed across our lots; the certificate of analysis issued with each shipment confirms the actual figures for that batch.

Download specification sheet (PDF)

Full technical specification of all six vanilla product grades.

Size comparison of extract-grade, gourmet short and gourmet full-length vanilla beans

Whole pods and cut pods

Grade A / gourmet whole pods

Typical physical description
Plump, shiny, oily; culinary focus
Length / pieces
Commonly ≥ 15 cm
Moisture %
~25–38 %
Typical vanillin range
Often buyer-expected ≥ 1.5–2 %
Flexibility / feel
Flexible, fleshy
Defects tolerated
Low tolerance

Grade B / extract whole pods

Typical physical description
Drier pods intended for extraction
Length / pieces
Often shorter
Moisture %
~15–25 % (CBI: ~20 %)
Typical vanillin range
2.0–2.5 %
Flexibility / feel
Less supple
Defects tolerated
Splits and cracks acceptable

Splits

Typical physical description
Pods split during curing or drying
Length / pieces
Whole but split
Moisture %
Same as base grade
Typical vanillin range
2.0–2.5 %
Flexibility / feel
Same as base grade
Defects tolerated
Split defect accepted

Cuts / chopped pods

Typical physical description
Short beans plus pieces, industrial use
Length / pieces
< 12 cm plus fragments; often 1–3 cm cuts
Moisture %
Common industrial target 15–20 %
Typical vanillin range
1.0–2.0 % common on cuts sheets
Flexibility / feel
Dry pieces
Defects tolerated
Higher visual defect tolerance, but must be mould-free and clean

Processed formats

Vanilla Caviar / Seeds

Typical physical description

Natural vanilla seeds obtained from Ugandan vanilla beans.

A seed-rich ingredient that gives visible vanilla specks in the finished product.

Intended for pastry, desserts, dairy products, ice cream and other professional food applications.

Length / pieces

Obtained from cured Ugandan vanilla beans.

Yield and particle profile are confirmed for the available lot.

Moisture %

Confirmed for each available lot.

Typical reference value. The exact parameter is confirmed by the specification and certificate of analysis for the available lot.

Typical vanillin range

Confirmed for each available lot.

Typical reference value. The exact parameter is confirmed by the specification and certificate of analysis for the available lot.

Flexibility / feel

Dense, seed-rich ingredient, ready to dose.

No splitting or scraping of pods required.

Defects tolerated

A processed product prepared from sorted beans; parameters are confirmed by the lot specification.

Vanilla Powder

Typical physical description

Fine to medium-ground natural vanilla powder, dark brown to almost black.

Produced by drying and grinding whole Ugandan vanilla beans, with no added sugar, carrier or synthetic vanillin.

Natural vanilla powder disperses easily into hot and cold preparations. As a natural ground product, it may leave visible vanilla particles in the finished recipe.

Length / pieces

Grinding fineness can be agreed with the customer where required.

Source material: cured Ugandan vanilla beans and cuts.

Moisture %

Confirmed for each available lot.

Typical reference value. The exact parameter is confirmed by the specification and certificate of analysis for the available lot.

Typical vanillin range

Confirmed for each available lot.

Typical reference value. The exact parameter is confirmed by the specification and certificate of analysis for the available lot.

Flexibility / feel

Dry, free-flowing powder.

Keep sealed and dry; ground material picks up moisture and ambient aromas more readily than whole pods.

Defects tolerated

A processed product; parameters are confirmed by the specification for the available lot.

Typical values are shown for reference. Exact moisture, vanillin and microbiological parameters are confirmed by the specification and certificate of analysis for each available lot.

Vanilla is an agricultural product. Moisture and vanillin move with harvest, curing and drying regime, so treat these tables as specification ranges rather than guaranteed constants. Every wholesale lot ships with a certificate of analysis; organic certificates, allergen statements and food-contact declarations are available on request.

Need a specification sheet for your QA file?

Tell us the grade and volume and we will send the full specification, a certificate of analysis sample and a firm price within one business day.

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