What is vanilla?
Vanilla is a popular flavor that is used in all kinds of dishes – from sweet to savory. It’s very commonly found in recipes for ice creams, puddings, yogurts, cakes, cookies, candies and even liquor.
The vanilla flavor comes from the vanillin molecule, which is found in a variety of plants. However, the vanilla bean is the only source which contains a high enough concentration of vanillin molecules to be used for flavoring.
Where does vanilla come from?
Vanilla is the fruit of an orchard plant and is derived from the vanilla bean. The vanilla bean was first cultivated by the Aztecs in Mexico.
Nowadays, vanilla grows around the world in tropical regions. Majority of the world’s vanilla comes from Madagascar, which is located in Africa. However, vanilla is also commonly grown in places like Tahiti, Indonesia, and Uganda.
How does vanilla grow?
Vanilla is actually a climbing orchard. It can grow up to 30 feet in length and can take three to five years to mature enough to actually produce fruit. The vanilla bean is the fruit of the vanilla orchid. Once pollinated, it takes about nine months for the vanilla bean to mature.
As stated previously, vanilla is grown in tropical regions like Madagascar.
Cultivating vanilla vines can be quite difficult, and must be done carefully, as they are quite delicate. Vanilla vines are an attraction for pests and diseases, which means that growers must continuously monitor the vines to ensure they’re safe and have adequate support structures.
When its time to harvest vanilla beans, they are hand-picked, which is a time-consuming and delicate process, as I’m sure you can imagine! Once picked, the vanilla beans are placed in the sun to dry. The drying process typically takes several weeks. Once dry, the beans are sorted and graded then shipped to market.
Is vanilla vegan?
Yes, without a doubt, vanilla is vegan!
What are the nutritional benefits of vanilla?
Vanilla has quite a few potential health benefits. The health benefits of vanilla include boosted energy levels, improved mental clarity, improved moods, reduced stress, better digestion, and healthy weight loss.
In addition, vanilla is a great source of antioxidants.
How is vanilla extract made?
Vanilla extract is made through a process which consists of soaking vanilla beans in a mix of water and alcohol. Water and alcohol each play a vital role in making vanilla extract.
The water breaks down the bean’s cell walls. This releases the flavor compounds of the vanilla beans. The alcohol aids in preserving the vanilla flavor.
If you’re looking to make vanilla extract at home, you’re in luck! It can be done with just a few ingredients: whole vanilla beans, water and vodka. You can also substitute rum or brandy for the vodka. However, the process takes at least two months.
First, you need to split the vanilla beans open and put them in a clean, sterilized jar. Then add enough water to complete cover the beans. Top the jar off with alcohol then seal it. Store the jar in a cool, dark place. Occasionally shake the jar to help release the bean’s flavors.
What is vanilla extract used for?
Most commonly, vanilla extract is used for baking. It’s often added to enhance the flavor of cakes, cookies and other desserts. Vanilla extract is also used in savory dishes, such as sauces and marinades. When vanilla is used in sauces and marinades, it adds a bit of sweetness.
Is vanilla extract the same as vanilla essence?
Vanilla comes in a lot of different forms: beans, pods, powders and extracts. Two of the most common types of vanilla essence are Bourbon vanilla and Tahitian vanilla. Bourbon vanilla comes from Madagascar and Tahitian vanilla comes from Tahiti (duh!).
Vanilla extract and vanilla essence are not the same.
Vanilla extract is a natural flavoring made by using water and alcohol to extract flavor from vanilla beans. It’s commonly sold in bottles in grocery stores throughout America. Vanilla extract has a very strong, pure flavor and aroma because it contains significantly more vanillin than other types of vanilla.
On the other hand, vanilla essence is an imitation of vanilla extract. It isn’t actually made from vanilla beans – it’s made from chemicals such as vanillin. While vanilla essence is typically much cheaper than vanilla extract, there’s a reason why: it’s cheaper to produce. Vanilla essence is also an inferior product compared to vanilla extract. If you’ve used both, you’ll definitely notice that vanilla essence lacks the deep flavor and aroma that vanilla extract has.
Is vanilla a fruit?
Yes! While many people only think of vanilla as a flavor, it is actually classified as a fruit.
Why? Because vanilla beans are the fruit of the vanilla orchid. Bean pods are harvested and then cured, which is what gives them their characteristic flavor and aroma.
Should vanilla extract be refrigerated?
Yes, I would definitely recommend refrigerating vanilla extract. As discussed above, alcohol is what preserves the vanilla beans and prevents them from going bad. But over time, vanilla beans will break down. The flavor becomes weaker and weaker over time. Refrigerating vanilla extract will help to extend its shelf life and keep it from losing its potency. If you’re not going to use the entire bottle of vanilla extract soon after purchase, its best to keep it in the fridge after opening.
Vegan recipes that use vanilla
Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: The perfect peanut butter packed recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe: An easy-to-make nutritious breakfast that unlocks the superpowers of chia seeds.
Banana Oat Muffins Recipe: This recipe can easily create breakfast for the entire family – it yields 15 muffins!
Overnight Oats Recipe: A healthy breakfast option that is you can make the night before and grab on your way out of the door.
