What is vanilla? If you have ever wondered about the types of vanilla or anything else about this popular spice, you've come to the right place. Here's your Vanilla 101 guide to learn all about vanilla and how to use it.
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Vanilla is one of the most common food spices and one of the most interesting ingredients. It’s an ingredient that most people take for granted, yet its value cannot be exaggerated.
And it’s anything but bland.
Let’s take a moment to learn more about this powerful spice desired worldwide.
What Is Vanilla?
The common term “vanilla bean” is misleading because, as it turns out, vanilla is not actually a bean at all. Instead, the bean-like pod is the fruit that orchids in the Vanilla family produce.
The word “vanilla” itself comes from the diminutive of the Spanish word for “pod’ so it translates as “little pod” in reference to the pods (or flowers) on the orchid plants. These pods contain thousands of tiny seeds that hold the complex and magnificent flavor vanilla is known for.
The majority of vanilla-flavored foods can have a reputation for being dull or boring.
In fact, that’s where the phrase “plain vanilla” comes from. The reason may be that most vanilla-flavored foods don’t actually contain vanilla.
Instead, they contain an artificially-produced version of vanilla's most prominent flavor component: vanillin.
However, vanillin is nothing like natural vanilla, which is why the products that use artificial vanillin seem plain.
Those little pods of true vanilla contain a taste unlike anything else - and with more than 250 other flavor components in the seeds, it’s anything but dull.
History Of Vanilla
The use of vanilla dates back to the eastern Mexican people in the 15th century. Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortéz is credited with introducing the Europeans to vanilla in the 1520s.
Vanilla orchids can only grow in a small portion of the world (tropical areas), and until the 19th century, Mexico was the primary producer of vanilla. Now, vanilla orchids grow in Mexico, Réunion, the Indonesian islands, and Madagascar.
Vanilla is the world’s second most expensive spice (behind saffron) for a couple of reasons:
- The limited number of areas where it can grow cause there to be higher demand than there is supply.
- Every step of the harvest process is time-intensive and done by hand
How Many Types Of Vanilla Are There?
There are three main types of vanilla grown around the world. They include:
Madagascar (also called Bourbon)
These two islands produce seventy-five percent of the world’s vanilla supply. It has a creamy and rich flavor.
Mexican
Vanilla from Mexico is harder to find, and it’s darker, smoother, and bolder than Madagascar vanilla. It also contains smokey undertones.
Tahitian
Tahitian vanilla contains less vanillin and has a more floral scent and taste.
In addition to these main varieties of vanilla, there are also three less common varieties:
- robust Indian vanilla
- mild Indonesian vanilla
- earthy Tonga vanilla.
What Is Vanilla? The Most Common Vanilla Products
Vanilla is produced as several different products. Which products you want to buy will depend on how you want to use them. Here’s a quick summary of each of them.
Pure Vanilla (i.e., Vanilla Extract)
To make vanilla extract, soak vanilla pods in alcohol for about two months. This allows vanilla’s flavor complexities to infuse into the liquid. Pure vanilla must contain 35% alcohol and 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon to meet FDA standards.
This is the most common way to use vanilla.
Best uses for pure vanilla: All-purpose desserts, baking (and even some savory dishes).
How to use pure vanilla: Since vanilla extract does not alter the structure of your food, use more or less based on the amount of flavor you desire.
Vanilla Flavoring
Vanilla flavoring is made just like vanilla extract is, except for the fact that the beans soak in propylene glycol instead of alcohol. Even though it’s alcohol-free, it’s still made from pure vanilla beans so it is not imitation vanilla.
Best uses for vanilla flavoring: All-purpose baking
How to use vanilla flavoring: Substitute vanilla powder 1:1 for vanilla extract in your recipe.
Vanilla Beans
Vanilla beans are the entire vanilla pods from the Vanilla orchid. Each pod contains thousands of tiny seeds that hold concentrated vanilla flavor and give that famous tiny black seed look that vanilla is known for.
Best uses for vanilla beans: Desserts where vanilla is a primary flavor.
How to use vanilla beans: Using pliable, soft vanilla beans, cut each bean in half and use a pairing knife to split it open down the center. Use the knife blade to scrape out all the seeds. Use one vanilla bean pod for each teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Another great use for vanilla beans is to make vanilla sugar that you can use in cooking and baking or add to beverages.
Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla bean paste is a combination of vanilla powder and concentrated vanilla extract. It creates a paste that has the consistency of maple syrup. The paste contains a more intense vanilla flavor than vanilla extract and the classic tiny black seeds.
Best uses for vanilla bean paste: Anywhere you want the seeds to really show in baking, ice cream, and more.
How to use vanilla bean paste: Substitute vanilla bean paste 1:1 for vanilla extract
Vanilla Powder
Vanilla powder is the product of ground-up dried vanilla beans. And it has a more intense flavor than vanilla extract.
Best uses for vanilla powder: in baking, in dry mixes (like homemade pancake mix), as a natural sweetener, or add it to coffee.
How to use vanilla powder: Substitute vanilla bean paste 1:1 for vanilla extract
How To Store Vanilla Beans
- Vanilla beans can stay fresh for up to 2 years when stored properly. However, I recommend buying what you need to use in the next 6-10 months.
- To properly store your vanilla beans, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Squeezing out as much air as possible will help prevent the beans from drying out.
- If you ever suspect your vanilla beans have mold, throw them out.
- Store vanilla paste and vanilla extract indefinitely in a cool, dark place.
How To Revive Dried Vanilla Beans
If your vanilla beans are dry, it is easy to restore them! Do this by putting them in a shallow bowl or pie dish and cover them with warm water or milk until the pods soften.
So, what is vanilla? Well, it's a complex spice that you definitely need to use in your baking! And now you know what you need to use this enticing and complex spice for all your baking needs. Happy baking!
Pin for later
More Vanilla Recipes
- Vanilla Bean Skillet Cake
- Raspberry Tart With Vanilla Bean & Chocolate Crust
- Peach Tart With Vanilla Bean & Almond Filling
- Banana Vanilla Bean Caramel Cake
Let's Go Shopping For Vanilla
Good vanilla is expensive; there, I said it! This is what I do: splurge. I have learned my lesson: cheap vanilla anything doesn't taste like anything; good vanilla makes a recipe memorable.
Vanilla Bean Powder - I use this SloFoodGroup Vanilla Bean Powder for baking, adding to drinks, or ice cream; another tasty option is Native Vanilla Bean Powder.
Vanilla Extract - When baking, I prefer using Marsden & Bathe Bourbon Vanilla or Nielsen-Massey Bourbon Vanilla. Both deliver on flavor, and your cakes and cookies will taste delicious.
Vanilla Beans - I firmly believe in buying good quality vanilla beans and again, I use SloFoodGroup Madagascar Vanilla Beans that are plump and very aromatic.
Vanilla Bean Paste - I have used Pure Vanilla Bean Paste for years with great results, and this paste is perfect for keeping on hand if you don't have a fresh vanilla bean.
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About Jere'
From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending. Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven sharing both sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.
Jeri
This was a super informative article! I had no idea about the different types of vanilla! I would love to try a vanilla bean pod!
Jere Cassidy
Thanks, I love vanilla so this post was fun to write.
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
I don't think I ever read the history of a spice; well-done researching and writing this article! As a history buff, everything with old roots has a particular value to me! This is educational, beautifully written and explained, and it should make every person who might use vanillin in baking think again!
Freya
I didn’t know that you could get vanilla powder! I need to try and find some to try
Marita
Thanks for this interesting article. I love Vanilla. In Germany it is one of the key spices that we use for cakes and desserts. We let the flavour infuse in sugar to make vanilla sugar from it. Such a comprehensive guide!
Joanna
I love vanilla, fir both it’s flavor and aroma. I haven’t known that there are so many different types of ur. So far I only tasted Bourbon vanilla but I’d love to compare it to other types.
Patty at Spoonabilities
What a wealth of information! Thank you! I really never have thought of all the different kinds of vanilla, and now I am so glad I do!
Jere Cassidy
I just love vanilla, it is amazing all the different kinds.
Adrianne
Vanilla bean pods are my fav! I love how detailed this post is with so much helpful info. I didn't know alot about it before but use it in my cooking. Thanks for enlightening me!!
Jere Cassidy
I love the vanilla bean pods too, all those seeds just add some amazing flavor.
Chef Mireille
what an informative post. I never knew about vanilla paste and gained so much knowledge here!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
Wow,okay. There is so much I didn't know about vanilla! Thank you so much for this!
Beth Neels
Honestly, I am a horticulturist and food expert, of sorts. I learned so much from your post on vanilla! Just a fascinating article! Thanks!
Jere Cassidy
Thanks Beth, I appreciate that.
Ashley
This was incredibly helpful -- especially leading up to baking season! I love using Vanilla paste!
Jere Cassidy
I agree it's so underused.
Taylor Kiser
I learned so much! Thank you for sharing!
Sharon
Wow! I love this comprehensive run down of different types of vanilla and how to use and store them.
Anita
This is a great post on vanilla. I rarely splurge on vanilla beans, but they do make my desserts feel extra special. 🙂
Jere Cassidy
I know what you mean, I've learned to get the good beans.