FAQs
Q: How do I place an order?
Ordering online is easy. Log into your account add items to your Shopping Cart and follow these simple steps to complete your purchase:
Review the items in your Shopping Cart to ensure accuracy.
- Enter your shipping and billing information.
- Confirm and place your order using a credit card, PayPal, or Check/Money Order.
- Print/Download your order confirmation number.
Q: I don't remember my password to log into my account. What should I do?
You can have your password emailed to you. To do this:
- Click on the "My Account" link at the top of any of our web pages.
- Click on the link, "Forgot your Password?" found to the bottom right, below the "Sign in to My Account" fields.
- Enter your email address and click on "request password." Your password will be emailed to you.
- Alternatively, you can use this link to reset your password: Password Reset Form
Q: Where are your vanilla beans sourced from?
Our Ugandan Vanilla beans are sourced directly from the lush, fertile regions of Uganda, known for producing some of the finest vanilla in the world. Grown amidst rich soils and ideal climate conditions, these beans are cultivated with care by local farmers dedicated to sustainable practices, ensuring exceptional quality and flavor in every bean.
Q: Are your vanilla products organic?
Yes, we offer organic vanilla products! Our organic line is certified and follows rigorous organic farming practices. You can trust that they're organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Enjoy vanilla that's as pure as can be!
Do you sell vanilla extract or other vanilla products?
Yes, in addition to vanilla beans, we offer a range of vanilla products including extracts, paste, and powdered vanilla.
Q: Do you offer wholesale for vanilla beans?
Yes, we offer wholesale options for larger quantities of vanilla beans. Please send email to: info@hiveoni5organics.com
Q: How do your beans come packaged?
Your vanilla beans will arrive vacuum sealed with top-notch commercial-grade equipment, ensuring a super strong 28 HG vacuum that keeps them fresh for weeks, even years!
Q: How do I store the beans?
You'll receive the vanilla beans fresh, oily, and wonderfully pliable. To keep them in top-notch condition, just follow these easy storage tips:
Ready, Set, Use! Keep the beans in their vacuum-sealed package until ready to use them. This way, they stay fresh and fabulous!
Time to Air Out. If you haven't used the beans after 6 months, no worries! Just open the package to let them air out, then reseal them for future use.
Don't Worry About the Oil. You might notice some brown liquid in the package. That's just the natural oil from the vanilla beans, squeezed out during sealing. It's totally normal and nothing to worry about!
Storage Options
To keep your vanilla beans fresh and fabulous, store them in an airtightcontainer. We suggest wrapping them in plastic wrap or wax paper inside the container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent them from drying out.
If you're in a pinch, a Ziploc bag will work for a short time, but we HIGHLY recommend using sealed vacuum pouches or airtight glass vials to ensure maximum freshness.
Q: How long can they be stored?
If you store your premium Ugandan vanilla beans as we've suggested, they can stay fresh for up to a couple of years! However, we recommend buying only what you'll use within 4 to 6 months to ensure maximum freshness.
Q: How do I split a vanilla bean?
Our vanilla beans may have a bit of a thick skin, so splitting them requires a little extra care. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it pretty easy! Here’s how:
Set Up: Place the vanilla bean on a cutting board with the flat side down, facing away from you. The curled tip should be pointing to the left side of the board.
- Start the Cut: Put the tip of your sharp knife in the middle of the vanilla bean, just below the curled top.
- Slice the Bean: Hold the top down on the board with your left index finger and thumb. Carefully cut into the vanilla bean, slicing along the middle all the way to the end. If you’re using the bean whole, like for making extract, you’re done! The bean is split.
- Extract the Caviar: If your recipe calls for the vanilla bean caviar, slightly pull apart the vanilla bean. Hold the bean on the cutting board, turn the knife sideways, and run the blade from the curled top to the bottom. The caviar will slide off the vanilla bean skin onto your knife in a thick, gooey lump.
Q: Can I use Grade A vanilla beans in vanilla extract?
Absolutely! Especially if you're aiming for top-notch gourmet vanilla extract.
Grade A vanilla beans, also known as prime or gourmet beans, are where it's at. They're oily, packed with moisture, and boast a superior flavor profile. Extracts made from Grade A beans are richer, more flavorful, and of higher quality. That's why so many gourmet bakers swear by them!
On the other hand, Grade B vanilla beans are drier and less visually appealing. They're commonly used in commercial settings and are what you typically find in grocery store vanilla extracts.
Q: What if my vanilla beans develop mold?
Sometimes vanilla beans may appear to have a "frost" layer on them. Don't worry, this isn't mold! It's actually frosty crystals that form when the natural vanillin inside the beans moves to the surface during drying. This is a sign of the high vanillin content in our beans, which is great for flavor!
However, if you do see actual mold developing, it's important to discard those vanilla beans immediately and replace them. This indicates they weren't stored properly.
Q: How can I contact customer service?
You can reach our customer service team via email at info@hiveoni5organics.com. We strive to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.