Having never bought vanilla beans before, I expected them to smell like vanilla, which I don't think these do...any thoughts?
345181
They have a slight vanilla smell but when sliced the vanilla aroma gets much stronger. After slicing and letting the beans soak for several months in vodka, the resulting smell is similar to vanilla extract you might purchase but the flavor is much better.
345182
Here's how I would describe their smell. Out of the package they don't smell like a vanilla candle or air freshener. They really don't have a strong smell until you soak them in vodka, then they smell like vanilla extract.
345183
The beans do not smell like vanilla extract, which contains a great amount of sugar and alcohol. Raw vanilla beans have a woodsy, almost coffee-like aroma instead of the sugary sweet smell of processed vanilla flavors (ice cream, extract, perfume)
345184
I don't think that they are hugely aromatic until you cut them and scrape out the beans personally. Once you slice the pod though they smell quite like vanilla.....
345185
My beans have a faint vanilla smell when dry and intact. I soak mine in vodka to make vanilla extract and then I use the beans in things like ice cream. Once the bean is moist it smells strongly like vanilla.
997302
Hmmmm. Mine did not smell. After I rinsed them, I used them. Maybe you should return the ones you received.
1888239
No, but is ok, the vanilla is thick like a syrup. I know if you try it you will love it, too.
711233
Great question!!!! I thought this was "PURE VANILLA" like it says. Never could read the ingredients because it was so small. Got some glassed out and now that I read the small print it does say artificial flavor. Hmmmmmmm
1499992
I didn't even notice the candles' vanilla scent. Weeks later, I ordered more of the same from Amazon. That's when I read that the wax has a scent. It is FAR more subtle than a "scented candle."
512789
There is a slight rubbery like smell. For me it didn't bother me or my husband. It is really hard to gauge as everybody's tolerance for smell is different. I've seen them sold at a Walmart store. That might be an option.
287450
Hm... I'm not sure. I was just really confused. I even had a friend tell me that Sofie the Giraffe had a vanilla scent and this one did not. How do I check?
945917
I'm not a seller. I would like to suggest that you also focus on the differences between Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans. If you are making vanilla extract, as I did, then you only need Grade B beans. You would be wasting your money on Grade A beans. But for some baking things Grade A beans would be better. Also, as I said in my original review, I recommend you buy beans based on weight and not the number of beans, as the size of beans can vary greatly. I have had rave reviews on my vanilla extract using Tahitian Grade B beans. It's unbelievable how much better it is than the extract sold in grocery stores. I'm not a seller. I would like to suggest that you also focus on the differences between Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans. If you are making vanilla extract, as I did, then you only need Grade B beans. You would be wasting your money on Grade A beans. But for some baking things Grade A beans would be better. Also, as I said in my original review, I recommend you buy beans based on weight and not the number of beans, as the size of beans can vary greatly. I have had rave reviews on my vanilla extract using Tahitian Grade B beans. It's unbelievable how much better it is than the extract sold... » Read More I'm not a seller. I would like to suggest that you also focus on the differences between Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans. If you are making vanilla extract, as I did, then you only need Grade B beans. You would be wasting your money on Grade A beans. But for some baking things Grade A beans would be better. Also, as I said in my original review, I recommend you buy beans based on weight and not the number of beans, as the size of beans can vary greatly. I have had rave reviews on my vanilla extract using Tahitian Grade B beans. It's unbelievable how much better it is than the extract sold in grocery stores. « Show Less
1533636
I can't imagine being able to get, imported, non-fermented beans. That said, I don't truly know. They look and taste like every other raw fermented bean that I have tried - except that they were really well vacuum sealed and tasted fresher than most maybe not as strong as some. If they aren't fermented, it is a surprise to me.
1916078
I actually make them from scratch. Rather "piddley" but worth the effort. There is no comparison. We did try Krusteaz and the texture was fine, but the taste didn't compare to scratch. Maybe adding extra vanilla would help. :)
1102809
No it's not clear I'm afraid.It's a bit thick like syrup but smells heavenly as vanilla should :). Good luck with your baking.
1059593
Two of mine have no scent, and the third one has a very faint vanilla scent. You need to put candle up to your nose to really notice it.
1331266
No. They should NOT smell bad. I have been taking Mega-Man Vitamins for several years. And I have never smelled this "Bad Smell" that people have described in several of said reviews. I have always gotten a vanilla type smell whenever I have opened said Mega-man Vitamin bottle
1313876
Absolutely...these are wonderful! Plump and soft with a strong vanilla smell. From what I understand, the softness and moistness indicate...freshness! I made 2 large bottle of homemade vanilla extract a couple of months ago and the flavor is ripe now, just in time for the Christmas holiday. Do not hesitate to buy this brand...worth the money!
44544
Yeah mine smelled too. Sort of like fake leather/mothball. I've had them since August and yes, they do still smell, but I have to say, less so than in the beginning and more tolerable.
1578571
My we're very vanilla smell. I think we get used to a added flavor smell and forget what real vanilla smells like especially not sweetened
802163
I just received my cashews, and they are rancid. I have had raw cashews before and they smell nothing like this. I thought maybe it was just an odd smell, and I ground them and used them in a recipe (as I have in the past with other raw cashews) and it made us all horribly sick. Do not eat them. I have tried contacting Amazon but have not heard anything yet.