Not to confuse the issue, but I think that sometimes people refer to vanilla beans as being the same variety as those that come from Madagascar, in order to distinguish them from the botanically different variety that comes from Tahiti.  The Tahitian beans are a different orchid, as well as being grown in a different location. 

I’ve seen both Madagascar varieties and Tahitian varieties that hail from New Guinea.

Ah ha! Thank you, Julie.  That makes much more sense as to why both locations could be ‘stated’ by the vendor.  So, they’re the Madagascar variety grown in New Guinea!

Julie,

I took your advice and steeped one of my empty vanilla bean pods this weekend, except I steeped it in a cup of black tea!  OMG, it was FABULOUS!  I can’t wait until I need another one, so I can steep it in coffee!!! 

Thanks! Yum yum yum!

—ak

Vanilla is great with red (roibos) tea as well- enjoy!

Oooh, thanks!  I’ll be sure to get some when I run out of what I’ve got!!!