Pompona Vanilla Beans Grade A – Rare Variety, Madagascar

Description

The Rarest Vanilla in the World

V. pompona accounts for less than one percent of global vanilla production. It is not a variety you will find at a grocery store or in a standard extract. It is a specialty item sought out by pastry chefs and serious home cooks who want something genuinely rare — and genuinely remarkable.

Our Pompona Gourmet Vanilla Beans come from Madagascar, where the beans are grown alongside the more common planifolia variety but harvested separately and handled with even more care. The pods are notably thicker and plumper than standard gourmet beans, with a rich, glossy exterior and an exceptionally high caviar content. For a deeper look at origins, grades, and what to look for when shopping, see our guide on buying vanilla beans. Learn more about our sourcing and all four SKUs on our Madagascar vanilla beans page.

Flavor Profile

Where Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is warm and creamy, Pompona is darker and more dramatic. Expect deep dark chocolate, sweet cherry, juicy plum, and a warm honey finish. It is indulgent without being sweet, complex without being difficult.

Best Used For

• Artisan ice cream where you want something truly different
• Rich pastry cream and custard fillings
• Chocolate pairings — especially dark chocolate ganache and truffles
• Mastercraft extracts: an exceptional match for bourbon, dark rum, cognac, or brandy

Grade A (Prime)

Exceptionally plump, lustrous, and moist. Available in limited quantities. We source these in small batches when supply allows.