Bringing Home Vanilla

Does anyone know if it's allowed by US CBP to bring back whole vanilla beans, or only the extract? Is there a limit? I have several friends asking me to bring them back some beans, just don't want to buy them only to have them seized at the border.

Last year I bought 2 kilos of beans

As long as they are sealed which they are when bought no problems.

Wow! That's a lotta beans! Thanks!

We have lots of friends :D

We also make our own vanilla extract and blood orange vinaigrette with vanilla .......... yummy dressing

No issues bringing back vanilla. Pineapples either in case anyone is wondering.

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Pineapples? You aren't supposed to bring them into California or Florida, I suspect Hawaii as well.

We have brought back but have the outside cut away so all you have it the sweet yellow interior. It's good for a few days after we get home and gives us a nice memory. The small pineapples are so much better than anything back home or for that matter Hawaii.

I have bought pineapples from the ship at the airport and have had no problem bringing them in. Tahiti is approved for pineapple import into the states. I declared it and had them inspected without an issue. Of course I don't know if this has changes since the last time I did this.

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I have bought pineapples from the ship at the airport and have had no problem bringing them in. Tahiti is approved for pineapple import into the states. I declared it and had them inspected without an issue. Of course I don't know if this has changes since the last time I did this.

 

 

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Interesting--I was under the impression that all unprocessed fruit could only be imported by licensed importers. I know that's still the case in Florida. You can't even sell citrus or citrus trees without a permit.

Last year I bought 2 kilos of beans

 

As long as they are sealed which they are when bought no problems.

I had the same experience (thought not quite as many beans!). We got ours on Huahine.

Is it better to buy from a farm or a market

If you are on a PG cruise the farmer who sells on Motu Mahana has nice stuff and is reasonable.

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I prefer the farm, you know it's fresh

You want to buy on Tahaa or Moorea. My favorite place:

Over by the IC