Author: Elvira Bowen

Vanilla is a native of South and Central America and the Caribbean; and the first people to have cultivated it seem to have been the Totonacs of Mexico’s east coast. The Aztecs acquired vanilla when they conquered the Totonacs in the 15th Century; the Spanish, in turn, got it when they conquered the Aztecs. When […]

Before the MexicasMexicasWhen used to describe ethnic groups, the term “Aztec” refers to several Nahuatl-speaking peoples of central Mexico in the postclassic period of Mesoamerican chronology, especially the Mexica, the ethnic group that had a leading role in establishing the hegemonic empire based at Tenochtitlan.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Aztecs Did the Aztecs eat vanilla? When […]

A chemical compound used in vanilla flavouring and scents comes from the anal glands of beavers. Castoreum is a substance that is produced by a beaver’s castor sac, which is found between the pelvis and the base of the tail. Beavers use this substance, which is usually brown and sticky, to mark their territory. How […]

Once ripe, the four stages of curing can begin. Stage 1: Dipping. No more than three days after harvest, the beans are plunged into water heated to 150-170 degrees Fahrenheit from 10 seconds to three minutes. Stage 2: Sweating. Stage 3: Drying. Stage 4: Conditioning. Perfection. How long does it take to cure vanilla? When […]

Vanilla can be found in many products we use every day. But there’s relatively little of it on the world market and prices are astronomical. It’s now more valuable than silver. Is vanilla bean more expensive? Over 80% of the world’s vanilla is grown on the island of Madagascar, which has been recently hit with […]

You’re familiar with vanilla extract, but what about vanilla powder? Made from vanilla beans, vanilla powder has a more intense vanilla flavor than vanilla extract and can be used not only in baking recipes but as a natural sweetener. The purest form of vanilla powder comes from vanilla beans. Can we use vanilla powder instead […]

You only need 2 ingredients for homemade vanilla extract: vanilla beans and vodka. Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using. How long do vanilla beans last in alcohol? The beans will last for up to 6 months in […]

Taste: A smoother consistency and richer taste characterize the French vanilla flavor, whereas regular vanilla ice cream is plainer. French vanilla has its eggy base to thank for its thick, custardy taste, while regular vanilla relies on cream plus a vanilla flavoring that derives from the vanillin compound. Which is better French vanilla or vanilla? […]

What is the best alcohol to make vanilla extract? Vodka is an easy and simple way to make vanilla extract at home, but you can also use bourbon or rum. Either way, make sure the alcohol you use is at least 80-proof (100 proof is even better). Can you use any vodka for vanilla extract? […]

In India, vanilla cultivation is gaining in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu since early 1990s. The area under cultivation at present is about 1000 ha, of which about 30% has started giving yield. The present production of processed vanilla is estimated to be around 6-8 tonnes annually in India. Is growing vanilla profitable in India? “Even […]

Sweeten plain yogurt at home with your favorite flavors. It’s much lower in sugar than store-bought flavors. Just stir in fresh or frozen fruit (like frozen blueberries) and a dash (about 5 drops) of vanilla extract (or other extract) or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Can you mix vanilla extract in yogurt? However, if you […]

To be considered a “pure vanilla extract,” it needs a minimum of 35 percent alcohol and at least 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter. The best pure vanilla extracts contain over 200 flavor and aroma compounds! What is considered pure vanilla? For a product to be certified as pure vanilla extract, it must contain […]

Spices: Dry spices are good for checked or carry-on luggage. Liquid or gel spices, such as vanilla extract, fall under the 3.4 oz. limit for carry-on luggage. Can I bring vanilla extract from Mexico? You can’t take everything with you from Mexico to the United States. That’s a hard lesson to learn while standing in […]

No. Vanilla extract does not need to be refrigerated even after opening. Vanilla contains alcohol which acts as a preservative and allow it to be safely stored at room temperature. Should Mexican vanilla be refrigerated? You should keep it in a cool and dark place (light can affect it), away from sources of heat. The […]

Just add sugar. For 1 pint of extract, add up to a tablespoon of cane sugar; for a quart, add 2 tablespoons. This will soften the harsh smell of alcohol and initiate the aging process. This comes out to about 3% sugar in the extract. How do you remove alcohol from extract? There’s no way […]

For a healthy vanilla ice cream, your best bet is Halo Top Vanilla Bean. This might not come as much of a shock, seeing that Halo Top has surpassed other big-name brands to become the best-selling ice cream pint in the country. Each pint contains 280 calories and 20 grams of protein. What is the […]

Vanilla is most commonly traded in pods (i.e. beans), but vanilla powder can also be found on the market. Vanilla extract, used as a flavour in the food industry and as a fragrance in the cosmetics industry. How is vanilla produced and sold? The beans only begin to develop their signature vanilla aroma and flavour […]