Where can I find vanilla beans in bulk?

[dairyking]

Hi! I've been told that Indonesia is a producer of the fragrant vanilla bean and I would like to buy a bunch to give to friends when I visit them. Does anyone know where one can buy them in bulk?

The Kem Chicks at Pacific Place has them, but they are in small little packs of 2/3 and appear desiccated: they don't look plump and bulging like the ones from Mexico. Haven't had much luck at Carrefour/Giant/Food Hall.

Any help appreciated.

[Shinta]

dairy, have you tried any traditional market?

Some friends surprised me once given me vainilla like sticks (around 25 sticks), in this case we use it for decoration and I remember didn´t have much smell.
They told me that they bought it in the traditional Ubud Market in Bali (I am not sure if this has any relation with tourist markets).

[dairyking]

Shinta,

I should have said that I'm in Jakarta and I haven't yet been to a traditional Indonesian market. Not quite sure where they are. Will ask around.

To my knowledge, a properly processed vanilla bean pod should have a strong perfume and contains moist granular beans within. I'm sorry yours weren't that fragrant.

[n4t4c4]

Hi dairyking,
I've seen vanilla bean pods at Grand Lucky SCBD baking section. The did come in small tubes, but not too expensive. they would look nice as gifts.

[dairyking]

Thanks n4t4c4. Will have to check out Grand Lucky when I'm in that area.

[Paman Gober]

If they are available in a traditional market, I would think that it would be in the Pasar Induk Kramat Jati. I have only been there once, and was not looking for vanilla beans, so I did not see them. However, it is the largest fruit/veggie market in Jakarta, and probably in Indonesia, so if they're to be found in bulk there is a good chance it'd be there. It's where the producers (farmers) go to sell their stuff to the stores and fruit & vegetable sellers around the city.

You can also find vanilla beans in Ranch market for about Rp25,000 each.

[dairyking]

Paman Gober! Thanks for telling me about Pasar Induk Kramat Jati. I love fresh markets. Will have to go exploring one weekend.

Don't think I've been to Ranch market yet.