การแบ่งเกรดวานิลลา (Vanilla Grading)




Once fully cured, the vanilla pods (vanilla beans) are sorted by quality and graded. There are various grading systems in use. Generally vanilla pods are graded on length, appearance; colour, sheen, presence of any splits, blemished and moisture content

Example grading system used in Madagascar
Grade Colour Appearance
Black Dark brown to black. Supple with oily luster
TK Dark brown to black. Sometimes with a few red streaks Like black but dryer/stiffer
Red Fox (European quality) Brown with reddish variegation A few blemished
Red American quality Brown with reddish variegation Similar to Red Fox but more blemishes & dryer/stiffer

As with everything in life, the higher the grade of vanilla pods/vanilla beans, the higher the price. Pods/Beans of the highest grade do not necessarily contain the highest concentration of characteristic flavour molecules such as vanillin and are not necessarily the most flavourful. This is because grading depends on visual appearance and moisture content.

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