:
1. *Black Vanilla beans / extract*
This is vanilla from _Vanilla planifolia_ or _Vanilla tahitensis_ pods that have been cured until they turn dark brown/black.
- *Look/feel*: The pods are dark, oily, and flexible, not the pale brown dried ones you see often.
- *Flavor*: Richer, smokier, deeper than regular vanilla. You get notes of molasses, caramel, and a bit of smokiness from the longer curing/drying.
- *Use*: High-end baking, desserts, and perfumery. "Black vanilla extract" is made from these beans and is darker and more intense.
2. *Black Vanilla as a flavor profile*
In perfumes, candles, and e-liquids, "black vanilla" means vanilla blended with darker notes like:
- Tonka bean, amber, musk, sandalwood, patchouli, or black orchid
- The result is less sweet/creamy than regular vanilla, more mysterious, woody, and slightly smok