• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Tips
  • Subscribe

One Hot Oven

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Tips
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Contact
    • Recipes
    • Cooking Tips
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Desserts

    What is Vanilla? A Delicious Guide to Your Favorite Spice

    Published: Aug 28, 2020 · Modified: Nov 27, 2020 by Jere Cassidy · This post may contain affiliate links. · 20 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    • Share10
    • Tweet
    • Yummly

    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.

    This page may contain affiliate links, please see my disclosure for policy details.  I earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page.

    Three bowls of vanilla with spoons in the bowl, with text overlay.

    Jump to:
    • What is Vanilla?
    • History of Vanilla
    • How Many Types of Vanilla Are There?
    • What is Vanilla? The Most Common Vanilla Products
    • How to Store Vanilla Beans
    • How to Revive Dried Vanilla Beans
    • If You Love Vanilla, You'll Love These Recipes:
    • Let's go shopping for vanilla
    • Try these tasty recipes

    Vanilla - it’s one of the most common food spices as well as one of the most interesting ingredients. It’s an ingredient that most people take for granted, yet it’s one whose value cannot be exaggerated.

    And it’s anything but bland.

    Let’s take a few moments to learn more about this powerful spice desired around the world.

    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 the vast majority of vanilla-flavored foods don’t actually contain vanilla.

    Instead, they simply contain an artificially-produced version of the most prominent flavor component in vanilla: vanillin.

    However, vanillin is nothing like real 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 is believed to date 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.
    Vanilla bean pods on a white board.
                             Vanilla Bean Pods - Tahitian - Mexican -  Madagascar - Indian

    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 water and alcohol for about 2 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 and baking (and even some savory dishes).

    How to use pure vanilla: Since vanilla extract does not alter the structure of your food, simply use more or less based on the amount of flavor your 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 1 vanilla bean pod for each teaspoon of vanilla extract.

    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 as well as 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

    Vanilla paste, extract and powder in small white bowls.
                         Vanilla Bean Paste ~ Pure Vanilla Extract ~ Vanilla Bean Powder

    How to Store Vanilla Beans

    • When stored properly, vanilla beans can stay fresh for up to 2 years. 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 that 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

    Vanilla flavorings

    If You Love Vanilla, You'll Love These 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 am a firm believer 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 to keep on hand if you don't have a fresh vanilla bean.

    Thank you for stopping by the One Hot Oven blog.  Please leave a comment to say Hello or just let me know what you are baking these days, I always love hearing from fellow bakers. Have any questions or just want to chat about the recipe? Please visit my about page for information, and I’ll be happy to help!

    Try these tasty recipes

    • Two baked biscuits on a white and gold towel.
      Easy Homemade Biscuits
    • Scrambled eggs, toast, strawberries on a white plate.
      Basic Scrambled Egg Recipe
    • Cottage cheese crescent rolls on a wire rack on a blue towel.
      Butterhorn Recipe with Cottage Cheese
    • Crescent rolls on a white plate with strawberries and blackberries.
      Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

    Subscribe here for more great recipes, and Follow me on Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

                                                                                                                                          

    Thank you for stopping by the One Hot Oven blog.  Please leave a comment to say Hello or just let me know what you are baking these days, I always love hearing from fellow bakers.  Have any questions or just want to chat about the recipe? Please visit my about page for information, and I’ll be happy to help!

    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.

    One Hot Oven logo with text.

    More Desserts

    • Chocolate truffles on a white pedestal, rolled in green, white and gold sprinkles
      Baileys Chocolate Truffles
    • A sliced chocolate mint tart
      Chocolate Mousse Tart
    • Raspberry tart with whipped cream on top.
      Chocolate Raspberry Tart
    • Lucky charm bars stacked on top over each other.
      Lucky Charms Bars

    Sharing is caring!

    • Share10
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    Click to get a seasonal One Hot Oven recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Jeri

      October 07, 2021 at 9:38 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy

        October 17, 2021 at 2:51 pm

        Thanks, I love vanilla so this post was fun to write.

        Reply
    2. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/

      October 07, 2021 at 11:55 am

      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!

      Reply
    3. Freya

      October 07, 2021 at 10:09 am

      I didn’t know that you could get vanilla powder! I need to try and find some to try

      Reply
    4. Marita

      October 07, 2021 at 12:38 am

      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!

      Reply
    5. Joanna

      October 06, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      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.

      Reply
    6. Patty at Spoonabilities

      September 05, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy

        September 06, 2020 at 9:25 am

        I just love vanilla, it is amazing all the different kinds.

        Reply
    7. Adrianne

      September 05, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      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!!

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy

        September 06, 2020 at 9:28 am

        I love the vanilla bean pods too, all those seeds just add some amazing flavor.

        Reply
    8. Chef Mireille

      September 05, 2020 at 4:52 pm

      what an informative post. I never knew about vanilla paste and gained so much knowledge here!

      Reply
    9. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

      September 05, 2020 at 4:38 pm

      Wow,okay. There is so much I didn't know about vanilla! Thank you so much for this!

      Reply
    10. Beth Neels

      September 01, 2020 at 11:19 am

      Honestly, I am a horticulturist and food expert, of sorts. I learned so much from your post on vanilla! Just a fascinating article! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy

        September 02, 2020 at 6:40 pm

        Thanks Beth, I appreciate that.

        Reply
    11. Ashley

      September 01, 2020 at 11:07 am

      This was incredibly helpful -- especially leading up to baking season! I love using Vanilla paste!

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy

        September 02, 2020 at 6:41 pm

        I agree it's so underused.

        Reply
    12. Taylor Kiser

      September 01, 2020 at 10:58 am

      I learned so much! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    13. Sharon

      September 01, 2020 at 9:58 am

      Wow! I love this comprehensive run down of different types of vanilla and how to use and store them.

      Reply
    14. Anita

      September 01, 2020 at 9:55 am

      This is a great post on vanilla. I rarely splurge on vanilla beans, but they do make my desserts feel extra special. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy

        September 02, 2020 at 6:41 pm

        I know what you mean, I've learned to get the good beans.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Jere Cassidy owner of One Hot Oven.

    Welcome, I am Jerè. I love sharing recipes both sweet and savory that inspire you to bake at home. Food has a way of bringing us all together, from a simple batch of cookies to a three-tier cake.

    More about me →

    🐇Celebrate Easter🐇

    Easter Recipes

    🍰Let's Make Cakes

    • Apricot cake with cherries and a green teapot.
      Apricot Cherry Upside Down Cake
    • Raspberry Chiffon Cake on a white cake stand.
      Raspberry Chiffon Cake
    • Strawberry Cake With Fresh Strawberries
    • Sliced lemon bundt cake
      Mountain Dew Bundt Cake

    Getting Rave Reviews!

    • Crescent rolls on a white plate with strawberries and blackberries.
      Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
    • Tea scones on a white plate.
      Earl Grey Scones
    • Two squares of reese cup brownies.
      Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
    • Cheesy Hamburger Cassrole.
      Hashbrown Hamburger Casserole

    🍅Our Favorite Salad

    Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon
    Get your exclusive One Hot Oven seasonal recipe here opt-in.

    For the Tea Lover

    Glass tea cups with flowers behind them.
    Enjoy a cup of tea

    Check out our favorite tea company, Young Mountain Tea, for the best loose-leaf tea and tea subscriptions.

    Get an Exclusive Copy of a Favorite Seasonal Recipe!




    Privacy Policy

    Get the baking substitution guide image.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A banner with different company logos I have worked with.

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign-up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • CCPA

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme.

    Copyright © 2023 · One Hot Oven