Question 1

Where do vanilla beans come from?

Accepted Answer

Mexico - the birthplace of vanilla

First discovered in Mexico and a secret of the Totoac Indians for  possibly generations, the modern day vanilla bean is now grown and cultivated in many regions of the world outside of its original birthplace of Mexico.  Most commonly vanilla beans now come from Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Tahiti and Uganda.  While other areas of the world also grow vanilla beans the most ideal conditions are 10- 20 degrees of the equator.   

Madagascar Vanilla Beans

The birth of hand pollination for vanilla cultivation, Madagascar and the surrounding islands off the coast of Africa known as the Bourbon islands unleashed a world of opportunity for vanilla worldwide.  Madagascar to this day, still continues to dominate the worlds supply of high quality vanilla beans that are sweet, creamy and mellow in flavor

Tahiti - a new species of vanilla is born

A rich tropical climate, and the successful crossbreeding of Vanilla aromatica and Vanilla fragrans that was imported to the island resulted in the modern day Tahitian vanilla beans known as vanilla tahitensis. While vanilla tahitensis is now grown in Papua New Guinea and several other areas of the world, it is Vanilla from Tahiti that continues to be referred to as the queen of vanilla with flavor notes described as floral, cherry and almond like.

Question 2

Do vanilla beans from different countries taste and smell differently?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla beans are grown in several regions of world within 10-20 degrees of the equator. The most common places vanilla beans currently come from is Madagascar, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. While all vanilla beans grown worldwide come from mainly two species of vanilla (vanilla planifolia and vanilla tahitensis)vanilla beans from each respective regions do have different flavor and aroma profiles. Some vanilla beans are fruity and floral, some vanilla beans such as our Uganda vanilla beans is sweet, chocolaty with notes of raisin and fig. Most importantly vanilla beans are different much likes, wines, apples, grapes and more. Appreciating them what they are is an important aspect of cultivating vanilla diversity and sustainability.

Question 3

Can gourmet vanilla beans be used for making vanilla extract?

Accepted Answer

Gourmet vanilla beans can be used for making vanilla extract. The gourmet variety of vanilla beans are traditionally higher in moisture content. For making vanilla extract it is recommend to use a slightly higher weight of vanilla than the recommended .83 ounces of vanilla to every one cup solvent that is recommend for grade b vanilla beans. The recommend ratio for gourmet vanilla would be an increase to .94 ounce of vanilla beans to every one cup solvent. Further reading on this can be found here.

Question 4

What is the best vanilla bean?

Accepted Answer

Our answer to this is simple... What is it you are trying to do with your vanilla beans and what flavors profile do your enjoy when cooking or baking with vanilla?  If you looking for an all around vanilla bean that is the work horse of professional kitchens worldwide, try our Madagascar vanilla beans .  If you are simply looking to make some vanilla extract at home, we recommend our mixed variety vanilla beans or  Grade B vanilla from Madagascar .  Nonetheless, we think any one of our delectable  vanilla beans will be suitable for whatever cooking adventure you had in mind.  A helpful tip when selecting vanilla is always to remember that whether it is Grade A vanilla or Grade B vanilla beans, Vanilla Planifolia is the richer, more bold and aromatic option while vanilla Tahitensis, is a softer, fruity and floral vanilla.  Deciding which is best is completely up to you. Happy cooking

Question 5

What is Vanilla Planifolia or Bourbon Vanilla?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla Planifolia or Bourbon vanilla as it is commonly referred to is a species of the vanilla orchid.  While native to Mexico and Central America, Vanilla planifolia is most commonly associated with vanilla beans that come from Madagascar.  Madagascar is the world most famous growing region for vanilla beans. The island of Reunion, once known as the Bourbon islands, located about 100 miles off the coast of Madagascar is where the term Bourbon vanilla comes from but now is commonly associated with vanilla planifola that is grown in Uganda, Indonesia, India, Costa Rica and other such places. Bourbon vanilla beans contain no bourbon or alcohol it is simply a name that was made famous by the island of Bourbon.

Question 6

What is Tahitian vanilla or Vanilla Tahitensis?

Accepted Answer

Tahitian Vanilla or Vanilla Tahitensis is a species of orchid in the vanilla family.  It is said to be a hybrid cross between vanilla planifolia and vanilla odorata. It is characterized by broader bean pods and a distinctive sweet, floral and softer aroma than that of vanilla planifolia.  Regions in which vanilla tahitensis are primarily grown are Tahiti also know as vanilla from Tahiti, the most famous of the growing regions and Tahitian Vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea with smaller regions in various other areas of the world.  Both Tahitian vanilla from Tahiti and Papua New Guinea are distinct in terms of flavor, aroma and appearance due to growing environments, curing, and other factors.

Question 7

How do I store vanilla beans?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla should always be stored in an airtight resalable container wrapped in wax paper and tightly sealed in a jar or double zip lock bag, removing as much air as possible. If you have your own food sealer these work great and are the most recommended tool to keep your vanilla for almost indefinite periods of time. We also recommend storing your vanilla beans in sugar. This can hep preserve your product. The great part about using sugar to store vanilla beans is this leaves the sugar smelling and tasting wonderful and preserves the beans for later use.

Never store your vanilla beans in the refrigerator as this can both dry out your vanilla beans and add additional circulation moisture that promotes a specific type of mold that only grows on vanilla.

The Ideal storage conditions for vanilla beans are cool, dry areas, such as a pantry or spice cupboard and avoiding direct sunlight. 72 degrees is the recommend temperature control, with little to no humidity.

Question 8

What is the best vanilla bean for making vanilla extract?

Accepted Answer

When making vanilla extract there are several things to consider when purchasing vanilla beans and it all comes down to choosing the flavor you love, buying vanilla from a supplier you can trust, and purchasing the right amount of vanilla beans for the job. Located below you will find a few highlights on some great choices of vanilla beans for making vanilla extract but this is not a comprehensive list. We suggest you be adventurous and explore the many different regions of vanilla and find the vanilla that suits you best. 

Madagascar

the most commonly available vanilla bean worldwide and also one of the most consistently flavorful. Madagascar bourbon vanilla is rich, dark, creamy with a flavor profile that is unmistakable. Vanilla from Madagascar is what vanilla represents to most people and why Madagascar is the worlds largest vanilla growing region. 

Uganda

strong notes of milk chocolate, fig, raisin, and earthy undertones shine with Uganda vanilla. Vanilla from Uganda is is from the same species as vanilla from Madagascar but grown in the pearl of Africa. A world class vanilla bean for cooking, baking and vanilla extract. Over the years, independent lab reports have shown Ugandan vanilla is consistently higher in vanillin than Madagascar vanilla beans. Uganda also has two annual growing seasons, providing for fresh vanilla practically year around. 

 Papua New Guinea

 the wild west of the pacific. PNG is abundant in both bourbon and Tahitian style vanilla beans. Vanilla from Papua New Guinea are grown in remote towns and villages in small plots by families and small co-ops. Crops of vanilla planifolia and vanilla tahitensis are interlaced in this island chain and at times mixed together however the best beans come from farms in which beans are cured and harvested separately. Tahitian beans are floral, with notes of stone fruit such as cherries, dark chocolate. These beans make for a flavorful vanilla extract that goes well with chilled desserts, fruit mixes, chocolates, and more. Bourbon style vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea are noticeably smokey, woody and slender in shape. These vanilla beans make a full bodied vanilla extract and pair well with other smokey profile liquors such as bourbon, and brandy but also work well in flavor neutral spirts like vodka. 

 Tahiti

 French Polynesia, a remote island chain that only grows true Tahitian vanilla beans or vanilla x Tahitensis as it is scientifically known. Vanilla from Tahiti is uncharacteristically high in moisture resulting extremely fragrant vanilla beans that represent less than one percent of vanilla beans world-wide. Soft, floral, intoxicating with unmistakably sweet and tart. The aroma of real Tahitian vanilla is like waking up in a lush tropical garden fruits. If you are looking to purchase the worlds best vanilla beans. You will find vanilla from Tahiti is second to none. 

Other vanilla growing regions of the world 

with so many great varieties of vanilla there truly is a lot to explore in vanilla when choosing the best vanilla bean for making vanilla extract and you can find it all right here at Slofoodgroup.

Question 9

How do I make vanilla extract and what type of vanilla bean should I use?

Accepted Answer

To make your own vanilla extract (which will taste considerably better than store-bought extract) follow the following steps:

• Select a base alcohol such as vodka, rum, bourbon, or brandy that is 70 proof.

• Allow 3.34 ounces of vanilla beans (split, scraped and cut) for every liter of alcohol.

• Place ingredients in airtight container.

• Shake vigorously and continue to do so once or twice a week for 90 days.

The vanilla is ready to use after 90 days, but we advise an extra 30-90 days to allow it to fully mature.

All our varieties of vanilla beans will produce a great extract with different notes and flavor profiles. We like to mix and match vanilla beans, even try different alcohols, but if you’re looking for your standard extract, use Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans.  We also have a short video in our how to section that is helpful if this is your first time making vanilla extract.

Question 10

How do I use fresh vanilla bean in my recipes?

Accepted Answer

On average, one vanilla bean is equal to 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. It should be noted that in some recipes, vanilla extract or vanilla powder may work better than the actual bean – typically the case with cake batter and cookies. Vanilla bean powder also works well in these recipes and distributes nice and evenly. Fresh vanilla beans are great but we really do like to pick and choose how and what we use our vanilla beans for. Vanilla extract tends to have a more assertive flavor and vanilla bean is a bit more subtle and suggestive than extract.

Question 11

What grade of Vanilla bean should I use?

Accepted Answer

Let’s be clear: Both grade A and grade B vanilla beans work great. They both have advantages and disadvantages, just like fresh and dried herbs. Grade A vanilla beans are traditionally higher in moisture (seven percent more, on average), but you can offset this by changing your ratio of water. Grade A vanilla is also usually higher in vanillin, so while you may get more beans per pound with a Grade B vanilla, you’ll get more taste with Grade A beans.

If making extract, Grade A vanilla beans will also be easier penetrated by alcohol, whereas Grade B vanilla will take a little bit more time. Grade B vanilla beans are usually a little cheaper depending on the current year’s vanilla market. We encourage you to play around and see for yourself what type of vanilla bean and what grade of vanilla bean you prefer

Question 12

Why are vanilla beans so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla beans are expensive because they are a commodity and like all commodities, price fluctuates with supply and demand. When demand goes up, so does price. It is also the second most labor-intensive spice to cultivate behind only saffron. Each flower needs to be hand pollinated and harvested then cured over a series of weeks or even months. Finally, frequent natural disasters such as floods or cyclones in vanilla-growing regions can devastate crops and push up the price. These and many other reasons are why vanilla is so expensive. Time magazine recently published a great article on the subject.

Question 13

Why do some recipes call for only a few vanilla beans or more when making vanilla extract while yours recommend a weighted measure?

Accepted Answer

In making vanilla extract, there is specific federal guidance that all users must be aware of. There are many recipes for making vanilla extract on the internet, most are incorrect, misleading and false. According to the FDA vanilla extract is defined as ‘a solution in aqueous ethyl alcohol of the sapid and odorous principles extractable from vanilla beans. In vanilla extract the content of ethyl alcohol is not less than 35 percent by volume and the content of vanilla constituent, as defined in § 169.3(c), is not less than one unit per gallon. The vanilla constituent may be extracted directly from vanilla beans or it may be added in the form of concentrated vanilla extract or concentrated vanilla flavoring or vanilla flavoring concentrated to the semisolid form called vanilla oleo-resin. Vanilla extract may contain one or more of the following optional ingredients: Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Sugar (including invert sugar), Dextrose, Corn syrup (including dried corn syrup).’ Our recipe guidance is solely based off these guidelines and solely intended for informational purpose to make a single fold vanilla extract. Anything less the recommended guidance is simply vanilla flavored alcohol at best.

Question 14

What is vanilla extract?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla extract, technically speaking, is a solution of ethanol alcohol (35 percent by volume), water and vanilla beans. The minimum ratio of vanilla beans to alcohol required by the FDA is 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon of 35 percent alcohol. This equates to roughly .83 ounces of vanilla beans to every one cup. Other ingredients such as cane sugar, glycerin, dextrose, and corn syrup can be added by manufacturers. While these sweetening agents are purely optional, most manufactures use them limited quantities. These sweetener are used to bring out the sweetness of the vanilla, cut the profile of the alcohol, act as a stabilizer and produce a more viscous product. Further reading of this can be found at part 169 of food dressings and flavorings in the FDA code of federal regulations.

Question 15

Can you make vanilla extract without alcohol?

Accepted Answer

No you cannot make vanilla extract without alcohol.  From a FDA standpoint any product that does not contain 35 percent alcohol cannot be sold as a vanilla extract, pure vanilla extract or extract of vanilla beans.  A product that does not contain alcohol is technically speaking, a vanilla alternative, vanilla flavoring or other names may be used. If you do not use alcohol in your diet for religious, or other personal reasons vegetable glycerin is a common alternative used in non alcohol based vanilla flavorings.  Such flavorings are not to be confused with vanilla substitutes such as artificial vanilla and other products that actually do not contain any natural vanilla.

Question 16

How long does vanilla extract last?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life since it is made with alcohol. Simply store in your cupboard or panty out of direct sunlight and your vanilla extract will remain good for years on end.

Question 17

I am seeing white clouds in my homemade vanilla extract that look like mold. What is this and what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Do not panic.  This is not mold.  What you are actually seeing is the fibrous pulp from the vanilla pod swelling and expanding from the alcohol. Some customers describe this as cloudy, murky, or resembling blobs of coagulated fat. Vanilla beans contain pulp.  This sometimes leaches into the alcohol. Just continue to shake and let age as normal.  Once properly aged and ready for decanting, simply strain using cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a small house household strainer. We promise you, once strained, the vanilla extract will have a beautiful amber color.  Now you can use, gift or do whatever you like, just do not drink the stuff. You might end up with a headache the next morning. *Pro tip:  If you are gifting your vanilla extract and like the look of have a vanilla bean in the bottle, be sure to save one or two beans to add to each bottle.  Personally we like to preserve a couple vanilla beans in sugar while our vanilla extract ages.  It dries out the vanilla beans ever so slightly and the small touch of sugar goes a long way in bringing out the natural vanilla flavor just like salt in a savory recipe.

Question 18

Can I reuse my vanilla beans to make another batch of vanilla extract?

Accepted Answer

This is a great question and one that is probably hotly debated by many people.  Our take is you could, but why would you really want to?  Your vanilla beans have been soaking for months or more and the alcohol has pretty much extracted all it is going to get out of the vanilla.  Rewetting vanilla is like rewetting chicken bones after making chicken stock. You can do it but your really are not going to get much out of it.  Do you see brewers rewetting hops after brewing? Baristas rewetting coffee after making coffee? The same theory applies.  Our suggestion is do not waste the alcohol and start a fresh batch or let your current batch age a little longer.

Question 19

What type of alcohol is used in your vanilla extract? Does it contain gluten from grains?

Accepted Answer

The alcohol used to manufacturer our vanilla extract is 100 percent derived from corn and contains no additional ingredients or additives.  It is a gluten free alcohol.

Question 20

Are your vanilla beans and spices ethically harvested and sourced?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our products are ethically harvested and produced. Our team at Slofoodgroup work directly with small community based farmers and medium size operations that are cooperatives owned by the farmers. Framers are paid directly and prices are set solely by the farmers. We annually audit each operation through a series of checks and balances that include but are not limited to, legal documentation, record keeping on lots, safety data sheets, certifications, third party audits, letters of guarantee and randomized visits.  Members of our staff will stay on property for several weeks, learning the processes and building relationships with individuals. This works in unison with ongoing and direct daily, weekly and monthly communication not just while each product is in season but out of season as well.  Our partners are viewed as our family and treated as so. SFG is a member of the BBB and local chamber of commerce. Our dedication is to operations that strive towards the highest standards for everyones well being across the full spectrum of our value chain. We hope you will join us in this pursuit.

Question 21

What are the health benefits of saffron?

Accepted Answer

While a significant amount of scientific research indicates that saffron may contain health benefits related to things such as depression, vision and otherwise, saffron from Slofoodgroup, is purely marketed and sold as a spice for cooking, tea and confectionaries. Slofoodgroup does not offer any medical advice, claims or otherwise.  We cannot provide you with intake recommendations should you choose to use this product for any health or medical related conditions. We do kindly encourage you to consult your health care provider, herbalist or otherwise before consuming any product.

Question 22

How do I use saffron?

Accepted Answer

When using Saffron, gently grind the saffron with mortar and pestle and add to a steeping liquid, base or broth. Allow to stand for a minimum of 10 minutes or overnight for optimal coloring results. Saffron will give off a beautiful golden hue that we finds goes well in our morning glass of almond milk, tea, or other comforting creations. Try our saffron for some of your favorite recipes and truly see why cooking with saffron is both fun, easy and good for you.

Question 23

Why is saffron so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Saffron is so expensive because it is the world’s most labor-intensive spice to grow, harvest and process. The saffron flower Crocus sativa, or saffron crocus, flowers once every fall. Each flower has three tiny little threads known as filaments or stigmas in the center that make up different grades of saffron. When you buy saffron from Slofoodgroup, you are getting ISO Grade I rated saffron with a 259.3 coloring strength. Be wary of saffron that seems too cheap.

Question 24

Why is Ceylon cinnamon more expensive than Cassia cinnamon?

Accepted Answer

Ceylon cinnamon is known as true cinnamon for a number of reasons. From a medicinal standpoint, it is highly prized for controlling blood sugar levels. Compared to Cassia, Ceylon cinnamon is more delicate and sweet with subtle notes of clove. It can also be easily broken. Cassia or Saigon cinnamon is harsher, thick barked and not easily broken. It is also known to carry high levels of Coumarin. The German FDA has recommended not consuming large quantities of Saigon or Cassia cinnamon.

Question 25

What is the shelf life of my spices?

Accepted Answer

All product is labeled with a recommend best by date as a suggestion to use before for optimal freshness and flavor.  This is only a recommended guidance.  Spices can last up to several years depending on many factors such as method of storage, temperate, humidity and other common factors.  For best results always store spice in fully sealed airtight container and avoid direct sunlight.  Your pantry cupboard is ideally the perfect place.

Question 26

What is edible gold?

Accepted Answer

Edible gold is actual gold that is pounded less than paper thin and is pure in content with a minor amount of naturally occurring silver.  It does not copper or any other additives or ingredients and therefore is safe to consume.  Gold is consider safe for consumption as it is biologically inert and passes through the intestinal system.

Question 27

Why is edible gold so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Simply put, because you are paying for actual gold. Gold is a rare commodity that fluctuates in price.  In 2020 alone gold has risen more than 45 percent to all time highs.

Question 28

What is the best gold for accenting cakes and garnishing?

Accepted Answer

The best gold leaf for accenting cakes and garnishing is the loose leaf gold or soft press transfer sheets. Most people prefer the loose leaf for this specific application. It works well for applying small accents to cakes, cookies, chocolates, and more.

Question 29

What is edible silver leaf?

Accepted Answer

Edible silver leaf, like gold is silver that is pure in character containing no other trace elements. Like edible gold, silver is biologically inert and passes through the intestinal tract.  It is odorless and tasteless.

Question 30

Are your edible gold and silver products kosher?

Accepted Answer

All of our gold and silver products are certified kosher by EarthKosher. If you would like a copy of our Kosher certificate for your records, please contact us using the help page.

Question 31

What is the difference between the hard and soft press transfer gold and silver?

Accepted Answer

Soft press gold or silver is gold or silver that is lightly attached to transfer sheets separated by pages in a book of 10 or 25 sheets. It is similar in function to loose leaf sheets but the transfer paper makes it easier for some to work with and can be used for both accenting and covering larger surface areas. This type of gold or silver is still fragile and can easily blow away if proper care is not taken since the gold or silver is only lightly placed on each transfer sheet. Hard press transfer sheets are gold or silver that is firmly attached to transfer paper backing by mechanical force for several hours so the gold is firmly attached to the transfer backing. Application with this type of edible gold and silver is usually the most difficult at first for some users but highly effective once you get the hang of it. It is commonly used to cover large surface area such as tier wedding cakes and other applications. To apply hard press transfer it is alway recommend that your butter cream or fondant is cold. Place the transfer paper over the surface area you wish to cover (front side with gold facing the area you intend to cover) and smooth over the back of the transfer sheet with your finger or application tool. This short video may assist if you are unfamiliar with this method.

Question 32

What is the shelf life of the your edible gold and silver products?

Accepted Answer

The shelf life of all edible gold and silver product is indefinite.  Gold and silver are not perishable food products. Always store gold and silver properly away from excessive moisture and humidity.

Question 33

Where are your Morel mushrooms sourced from?

Accepted Answer

Slofoodgroup morel mushrooms are sourced from various mushroom regions of the world depending on the time of the year, crop availability, pricing etc. This is including but not limited to the United States, Argentina, India, Turkey, and more. Currently, most of our morels come from Turkey, as we find these wild morels to be of the best quality, rehydrate well, and retain the nice meaty texture that morels are known for. The majority of Turkish morel mushrooms end up in fine dining European kitchens and we are grateful have these delectable morsels to offer in yours.

Question 34

Do I need to clean my morel mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

The jury is out of this question with significant amounts of supporters for both sides.  While some users may claim that washing your mushrooms removes the natural flavors and profile of the mushroom the best practice for sanitary purposes is always to rinse and wash before use. Mushrooms are a wild product that come from the ground. Our recommendation for users that may be concerned is lightly salting water and allowing your morel mushrooms to soak for a short period of time.

Question 35

How long will it take for my order to be shipped?

Accepted Answer

All orders placed with free shipping services will be processed in 48 hours or less excluding weekends and holidays.  Orders placed using flat rate priority shipping will be processed in 24 hours or less excluding weekends and holidays. Orders placed using ups or other elevated shipping services will be processed within 24 hours excluding weekends and holidays as UPS do not have pick up service on the weekends.  We do use United States Postal Service first class shipping for all domestic shipping services unless an alternative option is specifically selected at check out.  For specific transit times and further information please visit the US postal service website

Question 36

How long does shipping take using free shipping services?

Accepted Answer

Standard shipping times for domestic first-class if four to five business days. Service time for this class of postal mail is not guaranteed. If you have specific needs or would like your order mailed overnight or via a different carrier, please do so at check out or contact us so we can assist in arranging. Tracking and insurance are included on all orders and specific conditions do apply for submitting lost, damaged, or missing item claims. Please see our missing item information located below.  Additional shipping services are at a cost to the client and can be paid via PayPal, Visa ,or MasterCard at check out.

Question 37

Do you guarantee shipping time frames?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not guarantee any shipping time frame. Shipping fees, transit times, and shipping related displays are purely estimates provided by carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEX and DHL, for international shipments. Slofoodgroup does not collect a monthly membership fee to cover or subsidize these enhanced shipping costs and all costs are paid solely to the carrier for their services. If you want a guaranteed delivery date, please choose a carrier option that provides a service guarantee such priority mail express, UPS second day, FedEX 2nd day or otherwise. Slofoodgroup will be happy to assist in requesting a refund from the carrier on your behalf for shipments that fall within the carrier guidelines for their service. Due to Covid19, all service carriers have suspended their service promises until further notice. Please refer to the links in this question for further clarification from each provider.

Question 38

I did not receive my order and my delivery date has passed or shows as delivered, what do I do?

Accepted Answer

If your delivery date has passed and your order shows as delivered or has not arrived, please kindly send us an email and one of our team members will be more than happy to assist you. Please allow us to proper time to research your order and file the proper investigations with postal carriers and so we can process and file an insurance claim on your behalf.  Additionally we will also need a signed affidavit from you in order to process the claim from our parcel insurance carrier.  For domestic shipping 21 days must pass in order for file a claim and for proper time to be given to the postal service to deliver or locate your package.  International claims can take up to 45 days for processing but most recovery times are much shorter and your assistance is appreciated.

Question 39

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

All orders come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with any part of your purchase, let us know within 30 days and we will refund or replace your item.

At Slofoodgroup our staff inspect every order prior to packing and shipment; we kindly request you do the same upon delivery or your order.

For items that are received damaged due to postal or delivery service handling please contact immediately so we can arrange a replacement and file a claim with our parcel insurance carrier. Please include any evidence related to the delivery damage such a pictures of the package, ripped or torn boxes etc. by emailing us here .

We do not accept returns on any special requests or personalized item. 

Claims against product or merchandise that has been damaged because of misuse, neglect, or other fraudulent  or altercationous activity will not be honored. No claims will be accepted after 30  days that show evidence of prior use. Due to the nature of our products, once delivered  it a customers responsibility to properly store and maintain a product in their possession to preserve and maintain the overall quality and integrity of each product. For questions on how to store or maintain your product please see our help section or send us and email,  we will be happy to help. Items must be returned unopened undamaged unused to be eligible for a  refund.

If you are unhappy with a product that you purchased from SloFoodGroup Spice Company for any reason, simply let us know within 30 days of the delivery of this item. We will replace it or provide you with a full refund for the purchase price and cover the shipping cost to return the items to us. 

 We do not accept returns past 30 days of used or opened product. If you need help arranging a return please contact our customer care by calling us at 1 (808) 227. 8057 or sending us an email and we will happily assist in making all necessary arrangements.

Question 40

How can I pay for my order?

Accepted Answer

You can pay online by Credit Card, PayPal, Debit Card, and Bank Transfer. If using PayPal, you will be automatically directed to the PayPal site to enter your details, then brought back to this store after completing your order.

For regular orders, we can arrange invoices, terms subject to credit approval.

Question 41

Can I order a shipment from outside the US?

Accepted Answer

We do ship our vanilla beans, gold leaf and spices to countries all over the world. Currently, we offer customers the following shipping options for internationally based orders; USPS, DHL, and UPS are our preferred shipping partners and this is offered at no additional cost.  If your unsure, let us know where you are, and we will confirm if we can ship to you or not. Prices for shipping is a combination of weight, volume and service level. Tolls, taxes,  customs fees and other duties are not indicated in the total price and may apply to international shipments. Please check with your local customs office for any questions regarding import duties or fees in your country of destination. Estimations of shipping fees is also provided by utilizing the check out option and entering your shipping location prior to providing any financial information.

Question 42

Is it better to purchase vanilla beans in bulk by weight or by count?

Accepted Answer

Purchasing vanilla beans by weight is the most economical choice when considering vanilla in any recipe or flavor product.  Like all agricultural commodities, vanillas true value is that of its weight and not count per pound.  When purchasing vanilla by weight, some users may not receive the amount of vanilla beans they are expecting. This is due to size and shape variables that are naturally present in vanilla crops from year to year and season to season. 

Do not fret though, one pound of vanilla beans that has 80 vanilla pods that are 17+ cm in length is still the same amount of vanilla as 100 vanilla beans that are 14-15 cm in length.  If you are specifically looking for a certain count of vanilla beans, we highly encourage users to purchase vanilla beans by the each. If you are looking for the most value for dollar spent, purchasing vanilla by weight will always be your best bet. You do not have to always use a full bean in your recipes, especially for larger vanilla beans. Simply scrape the vanilla seeds from the pod and reserve for a later date in an air tight container and place the empty pod in a cup of vodka for that home made vanilla extract you have been craving.

Question 43

Is wholesale pricing available for vanilla beans or other products?

Accepted Answer

Wholesale pricing is available on all products with minimum order requirements (MOQ).  Requirements do vary based on products, availability, and current market prices. For any wholesale related inquires for quantities not available on our website, please contact us directly with your inquiry. Please state your name, company,  product of interest and quantities you are looking for.  Our team will do their absolute best to assist you by providing a quote and answering any question you may have.

Question 44

Can I buy Vanilla Beans in Bulk for sizes large then listed on product detail pages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bulk vanilla beans are available on all of our product detail page based on current market values.  If you are looking for larger quantities of bulk vanilla beans then shown on the product detail page, please send us an email for a custom quote based on your specific needs.  In your email, please include your name, the company you are inquiring from, the specific type of vanilla bean (i.e. Vanilla beans from Madagascar, Tahiti, Uganda etc. ), and the grade of vanilla bean you are looking for along with any other special requests. We will get back to you as soon as possible with a quote

Question 45

What are the benefits of creating a business account with Slofoodgroup?

Accepted Answer

Benefits of creating a business account with Slofoodgroup are additional extended discounts on products, 30-45 day billing terms, and free priority shipping, and 2nd day shipping options for orders that meet the minimum requirements

Question 46

I would like to offer your products at our retail location, how do I set up and account?

Accepted Answer

If you enjoy our product and want to offer them in your store or retail location, please send us and email via our contact us page and a member of our staff will be happy to discuss your needs and options available.

Question 47

Do you offer invoice based billing?

Accepted Answer

We do offer invoice based billing for business customers only.  In order to qualify for this service potential clients are required to submit a credit app, tax exemption form, and meet minimum order value requirements.  Other terms and conditions may apply. All accounts are subject to approval.

Question 48

What is the subscribe and save subscription service?

Accepted Answer

The subscribe and save subscription service is a reoccurring order service for customer that need reoccurring orders and would like to both save money and the hassle of having to check out each time they need a product.   A customers subscription can be changed, altered, paused, or canceled at anytime by logging into their customer portal or by sending a member of our friendly staff an email.  We would be happy to help.  The subscribe and save subscription service is an opt in only service and while are team can cancel your subscription, we cannot enroll you in this service and signing up for this service is not required by any customer to purchase any goods available on our online store.

Question 49

What is the most flavorful vanilla bean?

Accepted Answer

This is a great question and one that really has not wrong or right answer. Vanilla beans from different origins all have a different aroma and flavor profile. Madagascar vanilla beans tend to be the most commonly used vanilla beans both commercial and in home kitchen due to their greater availability and overall consistent quality. We encourage users to really experiment and play with vanilla beans from different origins before making a decision on which vanilla bean is the most flavorful because at the end of the day, only you or your customer can make that decision.

Question 50

How much alcohol is in pure vanilla extract?

Accepted Answer

There is 35 percent alcohol by volume in pure vanilla extract. This standard is defined by federal code of regulations

Question 51

Are your vanilla beans and other spices irradiated?

Accepted Answer

No, none of our product undergo irradiation treatment.

Question 52

Are you products gluten free or processed in a gluten free facility?

Accepted Answer

We are an allergen-free facility and none of our products are packaged in, on, or with products that contain gluten.

Question 53

Is your edible gold real gold?

Accepted Answer

Our edible gold is real gold this is the only reason the product is edible. Our sheets are 24 karat and our flakes are 22.85 karat with a minor amount of pure silver. Pure gold is too soft to make into flakes.

Question 54

Why is there sugar is some of your vanilla extracts?

Accepted Answer

Sugar, glucose, and other natural sweetening agents are an approved ingredients when making pure vanilla extracts. While some purist may not agree with its use it is approved by the FDA for use in extract and has several notable benefits when properly used. Sugar brings out the natural flavor profile of vanilla beans and is a very complimentary product. It enhances the flavor profile while helps cut the alcoholic undertone that some users do not care for. The use of sugar is no more than use salted or unsalted butter. It is a user preference.

FAQs

Buying vanilla beans in bulk, storing vanilla beans, types of vanilla, and more...We know you have questions.

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