General Description
Vanilla Beans Are the long, greenish-yellow seed pods of the tropical orchid plant, Vanilla planifolia. Before the plant flowers, the pods are picked, unripe and cured until they are dark brown. The process takes up to six months. To obtain Pure Vanilla Extract, cured Vanilla Beans are steeped in alcohol. According to law, Pure Vanilla Extract must be 35% alcohol by volume.
Geographical Sources
Vanilla beans are grown in Madagascar, Mexico, Indonesia and Tahiti.
Traditional Ethnic Uses
Vanilla is one of the most popular flavorings in the world. It is used in flavoring most desserts, including icecream, custard, cake, candy and pudding. Vanilla is also used to enhance the flavor of beverages and sauces.
Taste and Aroma
Vanilla Beans have a sweet,perfumed aroma with a woody or smoky flavor. Pure Vanilla Extract has a similar aroma.
History/Region of Origin
Vanilla originated in Mexico, where the Aztecs used it to accent the flavor of chacolate drinks. The Mexican emperor, Montezuma, introduced Vanilla to the Spanish explorer Cortez, who brought it to Europe in the 16th century. The drink, made with Vanilla pods and cacao beans, became popular amoung the aristocracy in Europe. In 1602, a chemist for Queen Elizabeth I suggested that Vanilla could be used alone as a flavoring.
