FAQ'S
What is the Return Policy?
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. To start a return, you can contact us at info@heartnharvest.com. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
How is shipping handled?
We ship via USPS First Class mail for all shipments less than 15 ounces, which does not have insurance but is significantly more affordable than any other shipping option. Due to the lack of insurance, we will cover the beans if they are permanently lost or arrive damaged. Please contact us at info@heartnharvest.com for further information.
Lost Mail?
If your order seems to be lost in the mail (Tracking has not been updated for a while) please contact your local post office first and file a missing package claim with USPS. If the package goes a full 3 weeks (6 weeks for International Orders) without a tracking update, contact us and we will look into it further.
Are the beans you sell Organic?
Our beans are from Malagasy farmers who are certified organic by European standards, Ecocert. We are in the process of certifying our own warehouse and handling facility. However, vanilla orchids are so delicate that they cannot tolerate any pesticides and have to be grown in an organic manner. We're confident in the quality of beans our farmers produce and are happy to support them through fair trade practices that ensure they get proper remunerations.
How long do my beans stay fresh?
Vanilla beans that have been stored correctly in ideal conditions can last up to two years. We recommend buying quantities that you intend on using within 6-8 months.
How do I store my beans?
For any remaining beans you haven't used, just reseal them in the reusable pouch they arrived in! Then place them in a safe space to avoid any damage to the beans.
How do you open a vanilla bean?
Put the vanilla beans on a cutting board with their flat side down, facing away from you. The curled tip will be pointing toward the left-hand side of the cutting board. Take a sharp knife and slice the vanilla bean down the middle, lengthwise, creating two long halves. Then use the backside of the knife to scrape out the vanilla caviar.
How many vanilla beans should I use when making extract?
5 beans per 8 ounces alcohol. This ratio is based on the requirement for commercial production of single-fold vanilla extract. This ratio is the most important aspect of making homemade vanilla.
How many beans are in one ounce?
The size of each bean varies and there is no specific magic number per ounce. Generally, for long/luxury beans there are 5+ beans per ounce, and for shorter extract grade beans there are more than that. Grade A beans tend to hover in the 8-12 beans per ounce range.
How do you define vanilla bean grades?
Vanilla Beans are graded based on their length and moisture content. Longer fuller beans are higher grade than shorter beans with less caviar. Grade A beans make beautiful extracts, and if you can get them at affordable prices, they are more versatile.
Why are there crystals on the outside of my beans?
Sometimes vanilla beans look like they have a layer of “frost” on them. This is not mold but frosty crystals that developed on the vanilla beans when the vanillin from inside the beans migrates to the surface as the beans are drying. This actually proves the high vanillin content of our beans.