Glen-

I Thank You so much for your quick response. That is unusual customer service these days.

I was so excited to make my first purchase of vanilla beans and although it isn’t much money to your company, it was an investment I worked on for a long time. I did a bit of research on companys out there and understand yours is one of the best.

I will do as you suggest and give them a try in a recipe before judging. Not having that typical vanilla aroma is certainly throwing me off. I will give your recipes a try also.

Thanks much,
Debbie.

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Hi, Debbie – thanks for your note.

First, vanilla beans do not smell like what you would identify as “vanilla”! It is not uncommon for folks to mistake the slightly musty odor that cured vanilla beans do impart as “alcohol,” but that is not the case. What you are smelling is a combination of the different flavor components contained in vanilla beans, including the predominant one, “vanillin,” which is what gives vanilla its characteristic flavor when you cook with it. [Our UGANDA GOLDTM vanilla beans, in fact, have a very high vanillin content compared to beans we get from other origins, which is why we rate them so high.]

You may also notice if you tried to take a bite out of one (or lick it) that you are not going to taste “vanilla,” either. In fact, it’s going to taste pretty “yucky”!!

I can assure you that the UGANDA GOLD (TM) vanilla beans you received are of the highest quality, and when you cook or bake with them, you are going to get an amazing vanilla flavor that is second to none! Give them a shot in your favorite recipe and let me know how it comes out — I think you are going to be pleased and impressed!! (If you don’t have a favorite, we do have some recipes on our website — go to: http://www.amadeusvanillabeans.com/recipes/ and pick one!)

If you would like to communicate with me further, please don’t hesitate to use this direct e-mail address.

Best,
Glenn Gottlieb