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I bought a pack of vanilla beans on ebay and froze them. It feels so luxurious to be able to use them more frequently, and they were super cheap. Also, they seem to be much fresher than the usual grocery store ones.

I bought a pack of these at Costco about a month ago, when they were just $3.49. I just couldn't resist it, and they've been great to use.

Argh! I saw these the last time I was at Costco (probably a couple of months ago) and stupidly decided against buying them. I've never used vanilla beans before so I wasn't sure how long they would keep...I have been regretting it since. I"ll definitely pick some up on my next trip if they're still there!

I buy their 8oz bottles of vanilla extract at my local grocery store. They price is excellent, the quality is good, and the company profile is acceptable to me. I'll have to keep an eye out for their whole beans.

I buy vanilla beans from ebay, too- I've had a great experience with those ones and the price can't be beat. They come 25 to an order, and are vacuum sealed. I didn't expect much when I first ordered them, but they were moist and plump. I use them for vanilla frozen yogurt, so it's nice to not have to be stingy on account of the price.

I've always wanted to cook/bake with real vanilla beans. What is the shelf life on these suckers?

ooooooo i'm so excited ^_^

next time alexs mom is going on a costco trip i'm giving her money or going with her to get these i've been wanting vanilla beans for ages now ^_^

I was so happy when my Costco starting carrying these Kirkland/Rodelle vanilla beans a couple years ago. Now I now longer have to save my vanilla beans for a special occasion.

So good to know they're at least trying to be a little ethical/green/what-have-you. The website is unclear (deliberately?) as to whether they're actually Fair Trade or not, but they at least seem to be reputable. Good to know!

http://www.abreadaday.com

I have kept vanilla beans for a couple of years in a cool, dark, dry place. They live perfectly well in clear glass containers. I bought a few beans from Amadeus Trading, they have a package with vanilla beans from 5 different countries. I think you get 8 beans from each country. They are huge and you can definetely smell the difference from each of them. A gem find for any true cook.

I buy mine online too... I got 25 for about $10.

This is so exciting! I'm sending my grandparents in search of these on their next Costco trip.
Uh, $4 for two? Try closer to $8 for two. I've never seen them that cheap. Which is why I almost never use them at home.

I buy my vanilla beans from the bulk section at Whole Foods. They're priced at something like $150/pound (or is it an ounce?) but each bean weighs so little they end up costing $1/bean. For me this is the best way to buy them, because I can just get what I need so they don't dry out waiting to be used. They're in the bulk spice and tea section.

I always get my virginal on ebay with these people:
http://cgi.ebay.com/10-Prime-Gourmet-Madagascar-Bourbon-Vanilla-Beans-6_W0QQitemZ250324561176QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a4881ad18&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

Um, vanilla. My iPhone corrected me incorrectly! HA!

Aw, hipersons, you had me so interested there! ;)

Great post--thanks, Sarah. I may have to swing by Costco tomorrow.

I just noticed these at Costco yesterday! Except I'm positive that the price was a lot cheaper than $11.99. I guess the prices do vary at different Costco locations.

http://myworld.ebay.com/vanillaproducts/ has vanilla beans for much cheaper.
I bought a pound, am about 1/2 way through it. Nice to not feel bad about sticking a vanilla bean in a cup of tea.

Oh, yikes, brittanykate, I just read at midnightskyfibers's link that vanilla beans should not be frozen. You might want to take those out of the freezer... O_o

I'm in the "buy vanilla beans on Ebay" camp and have been pleased thus far. I love to make Amanda Hesser's Vanilla Bean Loaves which uses a whole bean in the cake and another in the glaze. Also makes great vanilla sugar and we're experimenting with making vanilla extract from cheap vodka. Inexpensive vanilla beans open up a whole new world!

I bought these a few months ago. They were nice in terms of LOOK, SMELL and LENGTH, but not the best option in terms of price, but not the worst either.

I also believe it really depends on your plans for vanilla beans in how much you spend.

There are grades of beans (A & B) and obviously cost is a factor for Grade A beans. Who cares how "pretty" the bean is if you plan to drop it into a jar of sugar for some vanilla sugar. LOL! In a clear (I prefer dark glass) glass, the Grade A may look better, but if you go with a quality source, Grade B will suffice to the majority of taste buds.

I absolutely adore Vanilla Products USA on ebay (http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Vanilla-Products-USA), mentioned by Midnightskyfibers. The seller is really responsive, accommodating and ships quickly. I get the extract grade bourbon vanilla beans both for extract (8 beans per cup of vodka) and for baking. They are nicer than any grade A bean I've purchased in fancy stores and you can get a pound for 23$. This past winter I made a gallon of extract and bottled it for gifts. I bought bottles online and even made my own custom labels (www.myownlabels.com). The sky is the limit!

I buy mine from saffron.com. They're super cheap and very good quality (their saffron is lovely too). I don't, however, like their vanilla extract, despite the other extracts from this company being good.

UPDATE: I thought I would let everyone know that we went back by Costco again tonight and the price on our Vanilla beans had dropped down under $5 for the package of 2!

How's that for affordable, could almost beat ebay and shipping!

Looking for premium natural vanilla beans at a bargain? Drop by at www.myvanillashop.com for top quality vanilla beans at a best value.