Grading
Grade A
Also called Gourmet · Black vanilla · Bourbon Black
What is Grade A in the vanilla trade?
Grade A vanilla beans are fully cured pods kept at a high moisture content, selected for length, appearance and flexibility. They are bought where the bean itself is seen or split at the pass.
Why it matters when you buy
You pay a premium for appearance. If the bean is destined for extraction, that premium buys nothing.