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Vanilla planifolia otherwise known as Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, named after 2 islands in the Indian ocean noted for cultivating the crop. Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is by far the most popular of the 3 cultivated vanilla species - Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla tahitiensis and Vanilla pompona. Vanilla bean pods are graded after they are harvested, cured, conditioned and ready for use. The grading is based on moisture content, length of the pod and lack of dehiscence/wholesomeness of appearance. High moisture content, long, oily and dark seed pods with no splits/dehisces are given the highest grade, A, the Gourmet grade. These Extract Exclusive Grade pods are either short or dry or thin or splits or all of the above, but still aromatic. These are not pods you can easily scrap the caviar.