Peruvian Pompona Vanilla Beans (Retail orders ship immediately. Group buy orders usually ship in 4-8 weeks.) The Rioja - Rare Peruvian Pompona Vanilla Beans from Northern Peru Discover the extraordinary V. Pompona vanilla beans from Peru - possibly the world's first vanilla species and one of the rarest vanilla beans available today. These massive Grade A beans from Northern Peru offer an unparalleled vanilla experience. We named them after a quaint northern city of Peru called Rioja. What Makes V. Pompona Beans Special? Massive Size: Only 2-3 beans per ounce (sometimes fewer) - the largest vanilla beans in the world Ancient Heritage: Likely the world's first vanilla bean species Natural Pollination: Many are still pollinated by bees due to their extraordinary size Grade A Quality: Premium beans that are plump, oily, and aromatic Extremely Rare: Limited to native growing regions in South America Flavor Profile & Aroma Experience the bold, complex flavor that only V. Pompona beans can deliver. These beans produce extracts with deep, rich vanilla notes complemented by unique floral and fruity undertones that set them apart from traditional planifolia beans. Best Spirit Pairings for Extract Making The complex flavor profile of V. Pompona beans pairs beautifully with premium spirits: Bourbon Whiskey: Enhances the rich, woody notes and complements the bean's natural complexity Dark Rum: Creates a luxurious extract with deep caramel and molasses undertones Cognac: Produces an elegant, sophisticated extract with refined floral notes Premium Vodka: Allows the pure vanilla flavor to shine through without interference Brandy: Adds fruity depth that complements the bean's natural floral characteristics Perfect for Extract Making & Gourmet Baking Due to their impressive size, these beans are ideal for: Premium vanilla extract production Gourmet baking and pastry making Culinary experimentation Collectors of rare vanilla varieties The Rioja Advantage Sourced from Northern Peru's fertile region, these V. Pompona beans benefit from the area's unique climate and soil conditions. Unlike the more common planifolia beans that have spread globally, V. Pompona remains true to its native South American roots. Why Choose The Rioja: Own a piece of vanilla history with these rare, oversized beans that offer flavors impossible to find anywhere else. Perfect for serious vanilla enthusiasts and extract makers seeking something truly extraordinary.