Basics

Vanilla ranks up there with Chile as one of my most favorite spices. I love it for it's pleasing aroma and delicate flavors. The only kind of ice cream I buy is French Vanilla. Great stuff! Vanilla is a North American treasure, The Aztec Indians used Vanilla as a flavoring and as a show of good faith to their leaders. Montezuma, the worlds first Chocoholic, mixed it into his chocolate drinks. Do your best to buy fresh vanilla beans or extract that is real. Taste side by side real vanilla extract and Vanillin (synthetic vanilla), you will never buy the fake stuff again.

Producers

Thanks in part to the Spanish Conquistadors, Vanilla has spread throughout the world in similar climates to those in Mexico, and Central America.

Aromatics and Flavors

Rich nutty and pleasing aroma with a similar flavor.

Culinary Uses

ICE CREAM (my favorite), cream custards, cakes, chocolate, and other sweet desserts make use of Vanilla. I have at one time made a sauce for Chocolate Pate that consisted of Saffron and Vanilla. Those who initially turned their nose, after trying it, were very delighted. Whole fresh Vanilla is best, look for beans that are tender and near black, the flavor comes from the little tiny black seeds inside the bean. Vanilla is also used in perfumes.