Quick answer:An "extra long" Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean measures between 16 and 20 cm (sizes XL and XXL), that is 2 to 5 cm more than the market's standard size (14 to 16 cm). Fleshier and richer in seeds, it accounts for 5 to 10% of harvested beans and represents the top end of Malagasy production. A higher price per gram, but a more favourable seed to length ratio: this is the format for chefs and demanding enthusiasts.
This XL size can be ordered from our Madagascar Bourbon vanillacollection, where the price per bean is shown next to each length.
1. Origin and Madagascar terroir
[PHOTO_TUBE_VERRE_PACKSHOT]
Extra long vanilla beans are not a distinct variety: they are beans from the same Vanilla planifoliaplantsas standard beans, but selected for their exceptional size at harvest. On a plantation in the SAVA region, Sambava, Antalaha, Vohémar, Andapa, an experienced grower can tell from hand pollination which flowers are likely to yield longer pods. The final size depends on several combined factors:
- Plant genetics : some mother vines statistically produce more long beans.
- Vine vigour : a well established plant, without an overload of flowers, allocates more resources to each bean.
- The year's climate conditions : regular rainfall, stable temperatures, no cyclones.
- Selection at pollination : the grower fertilises only the best flowers on each cluster (3 to 4 per stem instead of 10 to 15).
- Extended curing : post harvest sorting separates the sizes from the initial drying stage onward.
The extra long size (16 cm and above) represents a minority of the annual harvest, estimated at 5 to 10% on a well managed plantation . This relative rarity is what justifies the price premium, along with the slow, manual, batch by batch selection.
At Vanille Désiré, the extra long size comes from our own harvest: the vanilla grows on the family's plots, in the SAVA region, and the longest beans are set aside from the drying stage onward. Every batch is measured and sorted into classes: S (10 to 12 cm), M (12 to 14 cm), L (14 to 16 cm), XL (16 to 18 cm), XXL (18 to 20 cm and above). The 10 bean glass tubeformat specifically brings together our premium sizes.
2. Profile and characteristics of an extra long bean
A quality extra long bean must combine several criteria, beyond its length alone.
Length : between 16 and 20 cm, sometimes 22 cm for exceptional specimens. An 18 cm bean weighs on average 7 to 9 g, compared with 5 to 6 g for a standard 14 to 15 cm bean.
Fleshiness : the bean should be thick, fleshy, "oily" to the touch. A long but flat bean is less interesting: fleshiness reflects the richness of the seeds inside.
Suppleness : it should wrap smoothly around a finger without breaking. A brittle bean is dry.
Colour : dark brown to black, glossy, sometimes covered with white crystals (natural vanillin frosting, a positive sign of maturity).
Aroma : a classic Bourbon profile (cocoa, woody, gourmand) but amplified, an extra long bean releases its scent as soon as the tube is opened.
Vanillin content : generally between 2% and 2.5% , at the high end of the Bourbon range.
The seed to lengthratio is what makes extra long vanilla appealing in professional pastry work: a single well fleshed 18 cm bean easily yields 0.8 to 1 g of seeds, compared with 0.4 to 0.5 g for a standard bean. The final yield is better, even though the unit price is higher.
3. Uses and recipes for extra long vanilla
[PHOTO_GOUSSE_REGLE_20CM]
Extra long vanilla is made for high end applicationswhere the quantity and quality of the seeds matter.
Recipe 1: Signature crème brûlée
For 4 chef's ramekins: 1 extra long 18 cm bean, split and scraped. 50 cl of cream plus 25 cl of milk, infused at 85 degrees C, 30 minutes off the heat. The dense seeds of an XL bean give the cream a flecked, dark gold appearance, the visual signature of the dessert.
Recipe 2: Pure vanilla macarons
For the ganache: 1 XL bean (18 cm), 250 g of white chocolate, 100 g of cream, infused for 1 hour. A single XL bean flavours enough ganache for 30 macarons, with an intensity comparable to 2 standard beans.
Recipe 3: Prestige pastry cream mille feuille
1 XXL 20 cm bean for 750 g of pastry cream. The visible seeds in the pastry cream embody the artisanal signature. Serve in a freshly assembled mille feuille to preserve freshness.
Recipe 4: Gourmet vanilla sorbet
2 XL beans for 1 L of sorbet base (milk, cream, sugar, glucose). Cold infusion for 24 hours. The extra long aromatic profile makes a sorbet possible without a trace of industrial extract.
Recipe 5: Luxury gourmet gift
A gift box of 3 extra long 20 cm beans in a glass tube is an exceptional gift for an enthusiast, a chef or a sommelier. XXL beans are as visually spectacular as they are aromatically.
4. Comparison table of Bourbon sizes
| Size | Length | Average weight | Average seed weight | Relative price per g | Preferred use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 10 to 12 cm | 3 to 4 g | 0.2 g | € (reference) | Discovery, simple infusions |
| M | 12 to 14 cm | 4 to 5 g | 0.3 g | €€ | Everyday home use |
| L | 14 to 16 cm | 5 to 6 g | 0.4 to 0.5 g | €€€ | Pastry chef standard |
| XL | 16 to 18 cm | 6 to 8 g | 0.6 to 0.8 g | €€€€ | Chef's pastry, signature |
| XXL | 18 to 20 cm and above | 8 to 10 g and above | 0.9 to 1.1 g and above | €€€€€ | Fine dining, gifting |
The price per gram of seeds can prove more favourable for the XL/XXL sizes despite a higher unit price, since they contain proportionally more seeds. This is the main economic argument for professionals.
Extra long vanilla market comparison
| Origin | Usual size | Indicative price per 100 g | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madagascar (Vanille Désiré) | XL/XXL 16 to 20 cm | Classic Bourbon, traceability | |
| Madagascar, mass retail | L/XL 14 to 18 cm | 50 to 90 euros | Often less fleshy |
| Uganda | L/XL 14 to 18 cm | 40 to 70 euros | Less gourmand profile |
| Mexico | L/XL 14 to 17 cm | 60 to 100 euros | Spicier profile, rarer |
| Indonesia | L/XL 14 to 18 cm | 30 to 60 euros | More woody, less fleshy |
5. Benefits and properties
Like all Bourbon vanilla, the extra long version shares the properties of vanillinand its associated polyphenols, studied for their antioxidant and soothing effects, as listed on Wikipedia, vanillin.
The higher aromatic concentration of the XL/XXL sizes brings no specific health benefit (the same quantity is ultimately consumed), but it offers a more pronounced sensory experience : aromatic intensity on the nose, a visible presence of seeds, and persistence on the palate. In terms of sensory pleasure and "useful luxury", the difference is tangible.
6. Storage and quality
Extra long vanilla keeps in an airtight glass tube, at room temperature (18 to 22 degrees C), away from direct light. This is the reason for the 10 bean glass tubepackaging at Vanille Désiré: glass affects neither the aromas nor the suppleness of the beans, unlike certain plastics. The tube closes tightly and preserves the internal humidity needed for long term storage.
Good storage means at least 18 to 24 months with no noticeable aromatic loss. Beyond that, watch the suppleness and the scent; beans can be rehydrated if they harden (24 hours in an airtight box with cotton soaked in dark rum).
Signs of a fresh XL/XXL bean : - Perfect suppleness, wraps around a finger - An oily sheen in the light - An immediate scent when the tube is opened - The presence or absence of white surface crystals (frosting is a positive sign) - No trace of green or fuzzy mould
Never refrigerate : damp cold condenses water inside the tube and encourages mould.
7. Extended FAQ
Why pay more for a longer bean?
Three reasons: more seeds per bean (better yield), a more intense aromatic profile, and visual quality for presentations. The XL/XXL sizes account for only 5 to 10% of production.
What is the difference between a 17 cm XL and a 20 cm XXL?
Mainly the amount of seeds per bean, and a little extra visual "wow" effect. Aromatically, the difference is noticeable but subtle. For everyday use, an XL is more than enough.
How many XL beans for 1 L of cream?
1 XL bean (18 cm) for 1 L of cream is enough for a rich pastry cream or custard. For a high end ice cream, increase to 2 XL beans.
Is an XXL bean always better?
Not automatically. Length does not guarantee fleshiness or aromatic richness. A well fleshed XL often outperforms a flatter XXL. Careful sorting is essential.
Can an extra long bean be cut?
Yes, for a precise dose. Cut to the length needed and keep the rest in the airtight tube. The cut bean is not harmed, as long as any residual moisture is avoided.
Do all Michelin starred chefs use XL/XXL beans?
Many do, for the visual quality of the seeds and the aromatic signature. But some prefer standard sizes for cost reasons and use extra long beans only on signature dishes.
What is the ideal packaging for an XL/XXL bean?
The airtight glass tube, like the one offered at Vanille Désiré. It preserves internal humidity, does not affect the aromas, and lets you see the beans.
Can extra long vanilla be given as a gift?
Yes, it even makes a memorable gift. A glass tube of 3 or 10 XXL beans is visually spectacular and useful for any baking enthusiast.
What is the difference between a Madagascar XL and a Ugandan XL?
Madagascar Bourbon has a classic cocoa and woody profile. Ugandan vanilla is more vegetal, slightly more rustic. The SAVA terroir remains the world reference.
8. Shop and related products
- 10 bean glass tube, Madagascar Bourbon, the signature premium format
- Bourbon S/M/L/XL, 10 beans, compare the sizes
- Pro format, 30 to 100 beans, for caterers and restaurants
- Standard, 10 to 20 beans, for regular use
- Seeds, 20g, pure seeds, already scraped
