Spices

Vanilla likes a neutral soil pH (6.6 – 7.5). What kind of soil does vanilla grow in? Vanilla requires a soil rich in calcium and… Read More »Does Vanilla Like Acidic Soil?

The reason that Madagascar is still on top of the vanilla game is grim: According to The Financial Times, it’s one of the few regions… Read More »Why Does Vanilla Only Grow In Madagascar?

Sweating The vanilla pods are exposed to the hot conditions during the day and then wrapped in blankets at night to “sweat” out their inherent… Read More »How Do You Sweat Vanilla?

One vanilla bean is equivalent to about 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract. If a recipe only calls for one teaspoon of vanilla extract, slice the… Read More »How Do You Use A Vanilla Bean Instead Of Extract?

Each type of vanilla bean has a very unique flavor: Mexican Vanilla is bold and dark with tones of smoke. Madagascar Vanilla is rich and… Read More »Are All Vanilla Beans The Same?

Vanilla pods, also called beans (though not beans at all), are ready nine months after pollination. They are ready to harvest when the tip starts… Read More »When Can Vanilla Be Harvested?

Vanilla bean production is certainly not for the impatient. Once the plants flower, they must be hand pollinated. Successfully pollinated flowers will produce a bean… Read More »How Long Does It Take For Vanilla To Mature?

Vanilla extract should, and usually does, come in a dark-colored bottle to keep light out. Why does vanilla come in brown bottles? Many bakers recommend… Read More »Why Is Vanilla Extract In A Brown Bottle?

orchids. Vanilla comes from orchids. Vanilla beans come from a genus of orchid called—you guessed it—Vanilla. There are about 110 vanilla orchid species. The most… Read More »What Flower Does Vanilla Come From?