Grade B Tahitian vanilla beans (also called extract beans) contain significantly less moisture and are less attractive. They are much smaller and contain many imperfections (splits and cracks), unlike our premium Grade A beans. Don't worry though, because the flavor isn’t in the appearance. These beans will work just fine in your homemade vanilla extract, but are not ideal for baking or cooking with. Tahitian vanilla aroma is flowery, fruity and anisic with a smooth flavor. They are often decribed as smelling like licorice, cherries, or wine.