Mexico.
Mexico – The Birthplace of Vanilla The vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) originated in Mexico and, for centuries, was the exclusive secret of the native Totonac Indians who were later conquered by the Aztecs.
Where does vanilla originally come from?
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.
Did Mexico invent vanilla?
The Origin of Vanilla
Vanilla is believed to have been initially cultivated by the Totonac people in Mexico, in the region of Totonacapan. This region is now encapsulated by the state of Veracruz in modern-day Mexico.
Does vanilla only come from Madagascar?
The vanilla orchid is native to Mexico and the vanilla genus is home to more than 100 species of vanilla plants, but only a handful are cultivated commercially. The vanilla planifolia species is the most common type and it is the variety grown in Madagascar and Mexico.
What country has the best vanilla extract?
Madagascar
Madagascar is known for producing the highest quality vanilla. Not only is the aroma intense, the flavor profile goes well in food dishes, brewing or for beer, desserts, vanilla extract, and many other possibilities. Most recognize the Madagascar vanilla is the most popular due to these traits.
Where is the best vanilla from?
Mexican vanilla beans, from the genus planifolia, have a reputation for being the best vanilla beans in the world – vanilla did originate in this area so you shouldn’t be surprised. Mexico actually had a monopoly on vanilla beans until the 1800’s explorers started exporting them to other countries.
What did the Aztecs call vanilla?
tlilxochitl
In addition, their botanical knowledge about the plant that produced vanilla was limited, they called it tlilxochitl, which means « black flower ».
What is different about Mexican vanilla?
Pure vanilla is made with the extract of beans from the vanilla plant. Mexican vanilla is frequently made with the extract of beans from the tonka tree, an entirely different plant that belongs to the pea family. Tonka bean extract contains coumarin.
When was vanilla first used?
The long history of the world’s most popular flavor begins in Mexico nearly 900 years ago. It was there that the Totonac Indians are believed to have cultivated the vanilla orchid indigenous to the tropical areas of Mexico and Latin America around 1115.
Which is better Mexican or Madagascar vanilla?
Madagascar leads the pack, with Indonesia in second place (while Indonesian vanilla comes from the same plant, it is said to have a smokier aroma and taste than creamier, sweeter Madagascan and Mexican vanilla).
Is Mexican vanilla real?
Mexican vanilla that is produced by a reputable American company is pure vanilla extract made from Mexican beans. Unfortunately, some specialty food stores carry Mexican vanilla made in Mexico. While it is possible that it is pure vanilla, the chances are more than 99% that it is not pure.
Can I grow vanilla?
Botanically, vanilla is considered “semi-epiphytic.” This means gardeners can plant it in the ground or grow it as an epiphyte, an air plant. The vine is perennial and can reach a length of over 200 feet. Natural vanilla extract comes from the seed pods of the orchid.
What is the best vanilla in the world?
Tahitian vanilla beans
Tahitian vanilla beans that are derived from the vanilla plant in Papua New Guinea are regarded as the ‘best of the best’ in the vanilla world. The bean is wider and flatter than the more common Bourbon beans and when cured, is fruity and floral on the nose.
What does real vanilla taste like?
Pure vanilla is absolutely worth the price. It adds a distinctive warm, round, sweet note to anything it is added to. Extract adds a hint of this, but the real thing instantly brings your baked goods and desserts to a much higher level. I don’t ever think it should be optional, even though it’s often listed as so.
Which is better pure vanilla or vanilla extract?
Basically, for baked goods, imitation vanilla flavor will be just fine. In low-heat sweets, such as puddings, pastry creams, and icings, the taste difference is more noticeable. For the best results, use pure vanilla extract (or paste) for no-bake treatsor simmered sauces and custards and frozen desserts.
How do you know if vanilla is pure?
To be labeled Pure Vanilla Extract, a gallon measure must contain 13.35% vanilla bean extractives (10-ounces of moisture-free solids), 35% alcohol, and the balance in distilled water. What is not listed in the Standard of Identity is sugar, corn syrup, caramel color or any other additives pure vanilla may contain.
What’s the difference between vanilla and French vanilla?
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.
How long does vanilla last?
When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening. What is the shelf life of my vanilla beans? When stored properly, two years.
Where is Mexican vanilla made?
state of Veracruz, Mexico
The most rich and authentic vanilla grows in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, near the Gulf of Mexico. Since this discovery, Mexican Vanilla has been produced in other tropical regions of the world, but only through artificial pollinization.
When did vanilla spread to Europe?
Hernán Cortés is credited with introducing both vanilla and chocolate to Europe in the 1520s.
What flowers did the Aztecs grow?
When the Spanish reached Mexico, the Aztecs were cultivating double-flowering marigolds and dahlias, showing that by using scientific techniques, flower varieties were being developed by what Phil Clark calls a ‘horticulturally sophisticated people’.