Nicaraguan Vanilla Beans - The Granada - Grade A Premium for Extract & Baking

Introducing The Granada - Premium Nicaraguan V. planifolia Vanilla Beans

Discover the exceptional character of Nicaraguan vanilla with The Granada—plump, sweet, and luxuriously oily Grade A beans that bring a unique flavor profile to your homemade vanilla extract and gourmet creations. Named after Nicaragua's most beautiful colonial town, these beans capture the essence of Central American vanilla craftsmanship with a flavor that rivals the finest origins in the world.

Why The Granada Nicaraguan Vanilla Beans Are Special

• Authentic Nicaraguan origin – V. planifolia beans grown in Nicaragua's ideal tropical climate
• Grade A premium quality – Plump, moist, and exceptionally oily with outstanding aroma
• Unique flavor profile – Classic buttery vanilla sweetness with notes of plum and raisins
• Subtle spice character – Similar to Mexican vanilla with a gentle warmth and complexity
• Perfect for extracts – High moisture and oil content create rich, aromatic vanilla extract

The Granada Flavor Experience

The Granada beans deliver a vanilla flavor that's both familiar and intriguing. At the forefront, you'll experience the classic, buttery vanilla sweetness that makes V. planifolia beans so beloved worldwide. But what sets these Nicaraguan beans apart are the distinctive notes of plum and raisins that emerge behind the vanilla—adding depth and a subtle dried-fruit complexity that's absolutely captivating.

Much like their Mexican vanilla cousins, The Granada beans carry a gentle hint of spice that adds warmth without overwhelming the sweet vanilla character. This makes them incredibly versatile, working beautifully in both delicate desserts and bold, spiced creations.

Perfect For:

• Homemade vanilla extract – Creates rich, complex extract with buttery sweetness and fruity undertones
• Baking and desserts – Elevates cakes, cookies, custards, and ice cream with sophisticated vanilla flavor
• Spiced recipes – Complements cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm spices beautifully
• Chocolate pairings – The plum and raisin notes enhance dark chocolate desserts
• Vanilla paste and powder – Create artisanal vanilla products with unique Nicaraguan character

Extract-Making Excellence

These Grade A beans are ideal for crafting premium homemade vanilla extract. Their plump, oily texture and high moisture content ensure maximum flavor extraction, while the unique plum and raisin notes create an extract with exceptional depth and complexity. Use 1oz of beans for every 8oz of alcohol for optimal results.

Pair with bourbon or dark rum to emphasize the warm, spiced character and dried fruit notes. For a cleaner profile that highlights the buttery vanilla sweetness, vodka is an excellent choice. The extract develops beautifully over time—ready to use after aging up to 1 year for light spirits like vodka, or 18 months to 2 years for dark spirits like bourbon and rum for the fullest flavor development.

Nicaraguan Vanilla: A Hidden Gem

Nicaragua's volcanic soil, tropical climate, and traditional curing methods create ideal conditions for growing exceptional vanilla. While less well-known than Madagascar or Tahitian vanilla, Nicaraguan beans offer a distinctive flavor profile that combines the best qualities of both—the classic creamy sweetness of Madagascar with the subtle spice and complexity reminiscent of Mexican vanilla, plus unique fruity notes all their own.

Storage:

Store beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, they'll maintain their aromatic qualities and plump texture for months.

Origin: Nicaragua

Species: Vanilla planifolia

Grade: A Premium