Category: Spices

Vanilla is the only edible fruit of the orchid family, the largest family of flowering plants in the world. There are over 150 varieties of vanilla plants. Just like grapes that make wine, no two vanilla beans are the same in flavor, aroma, or color. Vanilla is still the most favorite ice cream flavor in […]

vanilla beans. Vanilla extract—the kind that explicitly says “pure vanilla extract” on its label—is made by soaking vanilla beans in an alcohol solution to “extract” (get it?) all of their flavor compounds. According to the FDA, vanilla extract must be at least 35% alcohol with a minimum of 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter. […]

Vanilla extract which comes from the real vanilla plant is far more expensive. The average price for vanilla extract is $20 for four ounces. That price has increased over the years, however. You can now expect to pay $300 per pound of extract. Why is vanilla so expensive 2021? Vanilla prices have climbed so high […]

Vanilla extract is a solution made by macerating and percolating vanilla pods in a solution of ethanol and water. It is considered an essential ingredient in many Western desserts, especially baked goods like cakes, cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, as well as custards, ice creams, and puddings. What is vanilla extract good for? Using vanilla as […]

The main species harvested for vanilla is V. planifolia. Although it is native to Mexico, it is now widely grown throughout the tropics. Indonesia and Madagascar are the world’s largest producers. Which country is the largest producer of vanilla? MadagascarThe biggest producer of vanilla is Madagascar (2900 tons), followed by Indonesia (2300 tons), China (885 […]

Why is vanilla extract so expensive? Vanilla extract comes from a plant that is very finicky and difficult to grow. Additionally, most are grown in Madagascar, which has experienced a number of storms in the last five years that have destroyed crops. How much does it cost to make vanilla? This Homemade Vanilla Extract recipe […]

Nielsen-Massey sources vanilla from the world’s primary vanilla-growing countries: Madagascar, Mexico, Tahiti (including French Polynesian Islands), Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, India and Uganda. Which country has the best vanilla? Madagascar vanillaMadagascar vanilla is known as the best vanilla and what you would think of when you imagine a vanilla bean. It has a heavenly aroma […]

Tips for Growing Vanilla Plants at Home. Vanilla bean plants are climbing vinesclimbing vinesA vine is a climbing plant which use stems or runners. These runners trail on the ground, and will climb up when it is possible. It is a growth habit or life habit which makes use of trees to reach light in […]

Natural vanilla flavoring is derived from vanilla beans with little to no alcohol. The maximum amount of alcohol that is usually present is only 2–3%. Therefore, by FDA regulations it cannot be called an extract. What does natural vanilla flavors mean? Natural vanilla contains a set level of radioactive carbon-14 whose half-life is 5730 years. […]

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. What does vanilla originally come from? Vanilla is a spice derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily obtained from pods of the Mexican species, […]

Vanilla extract is usually in the Baking aisle of the grocery store as it features in many baking recipes. Where is vanilla extract located? Natural vanilla extract comes from the vanilla orchid, which, when pollinated, produces a pod containing vanilla beans. Cured and fermented beans are ground up and soaked in alcohol and water to […]

Because vanilla has fewer calories and carbohydrates than sugar, it can be used to reduce your sugar intake. Using vanilla as a sugar substitute also can reduce high blood glucose levels and help you lead a more heart-healthy lifestyle. Does vanilla spike blood sugar? Unlike white sugar—one of the food ingredients nutritionists try to avoid—vanilla […]

Description. Vanilla is from the dried, cured beans or fruit pods of the green-stemmed climbing perennial of the Vanilla species, which is a member of the orchid family. The botanical name, Vanilla, derives from the Spanish name for the spice, vainilla, and is a diminutive of vaina meaning “sheath or pod”. What is vanilla classified? […]

Species. There are three main species of vanilla that are produced commercially. These include vanilla planifolia, vanilla tahitiensis, and vanilla pompona. Each species has unique characteristics. What is the world’s best vanilla? Tahitian vanilla beansTahitian vanilla beans that are derived from the vanilla plant in Papua New Guinea are regarded as the ‘best of the […]

With the demand now heavily outweighing the supply due to how long it takes to harvest vanilla – the cost of the flavouring increased massively. With word spreading the vanilla vines were at times targeted by criminals who would steal the plants close to maturity to shortcut the production time. Why is vanilla so expensive […]

Brighten Dull, Tired And Dry Skin Mix finely ground brown sugar or rice powder with the extract and add 2 drops of vanilla essential oil and some lemon juice. Make a smooth paste and apply on your face. Massage for a few minutes and then rinse off first with warm water and then a splash […]