The Wonderful World of Vanilla

 Do you love the taste of vanilla? Do you ever wonder where that delicious flavor comes from? Keep reading to find out the fascinating origins of vanilla flavoring.

Vanilla plants have been cultivated in Mexico and Central America since at least the sixteenth century. The Aztecs used vanilla beans to flavor cocoa, chile pepper paste, and honey, as well as medicinal teas and tonics. The Maya called it liquidity or bundle of sticks because the shoots and flowers look like little bundles of sticks.

From pods to bottles

Vanilla is one of the most popular flavors in baking and cooking, but did you know that it is one of the most expensive as well? Vanilla beans are quite labor-intensive, so they are not cheap at all. 

In 1841, a French-Mexican man named Edouard Audran discovered a way to create artificial vanillin by mixing coal tar with alcohol and sulfuric acid.

From plantations to factories

Vanilla, popular ice cream, and the cooking ingredient is a type of orchid. It was originally cultivated on plantations in Mexico and South America by Native Americans. Today, thanks to improvements in farming and transportation methods, most of the world's supply comes from Madagascar.

The world's biggest producer

Mexico is the world's biggest producer of vanilla, which makes up about 80% of all global production. The reason for this is due to Mexico's geographic location, rich soil, and climate which are perfect for growing high-quality vanilla beans.

Tips for storing vanilla in your pantry

Vanilla beans can be stored for up to two years in a tightly sealed container in a dark, cool place like your pantry or cabinet. Avoid storing them near heat or bright light, as this will cause them to dry out and lose their fragrance and flavor. If you don't plan on using all your beans at once, it's best to divide them into smaller containers - this way they'll stay fresher for longer!

The science behind this magic ingredient

Vanilla is one of the most loved flavors in the world and it has been a part of many cultures for centuries. The flavor and aroma come from a small pod-shaped fruit native to Central America called Vanilla planifolia, which is related to other orchids in the genus Vanilla. The plant needs hand pollination but once it matures, pods will start growing and will be harvested every six months for four years until it dies off.

A recipe using real extract vs imitation extract

Vanilla extract is one of the most popular flavors in the world, but not all vanillas are created equal. Many people believe imitation extract can't compare to real vanilla extract and only use it when they don't have any other options, but this isn't true! Imitation extracts are made by adding chemicals and artificial flavors to natural oils, while real vanillas come straight from the bean, giving you a rich, full-bodied flavor with no additives or preservatives.