Whole Tahitian Vanilla Beans are perfect for use as a flavor enhancer inĀ chocolate, custard, caramel, coffee, cakes, and other desserts.
As far as substitutions go, one 2-inch piece of vanilla bean convertsĀ to 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one whole vanilla bean equals about 3 teaspoons of extract.
With that said, many serious chefs hold that the flavor of whole Tahitian Vanilla Beans is superior to the flavor of extract.
The flavor is complex, and has been described as sweet, floral, earthy, and spicy all at once.