Yes, but in years past there has been a question about the mercury content in Mexican vanilla. America’s Test Kitchens says vanilla is mostly scent and that there is no need to use real vanilla. They recommend Baker’s Vanilla Extract.
Is there a limit on how much vanilla you can bring back from Mexico?
No restrictions as long as you are within your allotment. I usually bring back 250ml and 500ml and the issue is never the amount of them as much as the weight as liquids are heavy. Canada and the US are similar on this and I always bring back at least a dozen bottle.
Can you bring vanilla back from Mexico?
The short answer is that unless you are bringing back cases and cases of vanilla, you won’t have to pay duty but you do have to declare it.
Can you take vanilla through customs?
A license specific to vanilla beans is not required for import into the United States. However, the country of origin may require you to meet specific exporter qualifications.
How long can you keep pure vanilla from Mexico?
The shelf life of Mexican vanilla extract depends on it’s quality. High quality Mexican vanilla extract will last up to 10 years but cheap Mexican vanilla extract may only retain it’s flavor for up to 2 years.
What can I not bring back from Mexico?
To avoid hassles, it is best to not bring back fruits, vegetables, meat or dairy products from Mexico unless you know they are allowed.
What’s the difference between Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans?
Grade A beans are often referred to as ‘gourmet’ or ‘prime’ vanilla beans. They have a much higher moisture content than Grade B, or ‘extraction grade’ vanilla beans. As such, the flavor is going to be more diluted in a gourmet bean but is it won’t take nearly as long to transfer flavor to the dish.
Is Mexican vanilla safe to use?
Consumers should be cautious when buying vanilla in Mexico and other Latin American countries, the FDA advised. Look for “vanilla bean” on the label’s ingredient list. Don’t buy the product if it says “tonka bean” or has a vague ingredient list or no list. Florida State University has more about coumarin.
Should you buy vanilla in Mexico?
Do not purchase vanilla extract with a Mexican label, even from a specialty food store or online! 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.
How is Mexican vanilla different from regular 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.
Can you travel with vanilla beans?
Vanilla beans are considered spices and are specifically exempt. They are not considered banned or restricted plant material. This is explicitly stated in one of the US customs brochures.
What can I bring back to U.S. from Mexico?
You can bring back most prepared/baked food, including condiments, vinegar, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee, tea, and certain cheeses.
What items need to be declared at US Customs?
What Must I Declare?
- Anything you bought (including from duty-free shops or on a ship or airplane)
- Anything you inherited or received as a gift (you’ll have to estimate the fair market price of the gift)
- Anything you brought home for a friend.
- Anything you plan to use or sell in your business.
Why is vanilla extract cheap in Mexico?
Artificial vanilla extract is affordable, and is the vanilla extract predominantly sold in countries that produce vanilla beans. This is the paradox of vanilla’s hand-crafted production. That’s why in Mexico, even though the country grows very fine beans, artificial vanillas dominate the market.
Does vanilla ever go bad?
Pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life and doesn’t really go bad. Please note that the extract has an alcohol base, and alcohol tends to very slowly evaporate after the first opening of the bottle. That means that after a few years you might notice that the flavor of the extract is slightly more intense.
Why does my homemade vanilla tastes like alcohol?
I chopped the vanilla beans, but the extract only has a slight taste of vanilla. Editor: If your extract still tastes of alcohol, that shouldn’t be of too much concern — especially given you’re still on the short end of the steeping time. Wait a bit longer; give it at least another month before calling it.
Can I bring beans from Mexico to us?
The following dried products are generally allowed but you must declare and present them to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for inspection: Beans. Dates. Figs.
What do I have to declare coming back from Mexico?
Complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B
All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. Here are your options: Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.
What can I take out of Mexico?
If you enter or leave Mexico, you must declare any sum of money equaling US$10,000 or more that you bring in cash, checks, money orders, other cashable documents or a combination of them. Failing to declare carries a fine ranging from 20% to 40% of the exceeding amount.
How many times can vanilla beans be used to make vanilla extract?
Beans you’ve already used in a batch of extract can be reused in the next batch. When I siphoned off the vanilla extract from my 18 month batch, almost all of those beans went right back into the jar for the next batch. I simply added a few new beans to punch up the flavour.
What is the best vodka to make vanilla extract with?
the bottom shelf. Grey Goose is a top shelf vodka, and it proved to create a top-shelf vanilla extract. After a year, the vanilla bean taste became much more pronounced making it one of the most fully rounded vanilla extracts that we have ever made.