Vanilla (2024)

Vanilla (1)

General Description

Vanilla Beans are the long, greenish-yellow seed pods of the tropical orchid plant, Vanilla planifolia. Before the plant flowers, the pods are picked, unripe, and cured until they’re dark brown. The process takes up to six months. To obtain Pure Vanilla Extract, cured Vanilla Beans are steeped in alcohol. According to law, Pure Vanilla Extract must be 35 percent alcohol by volume.

Geographical Sources

Vanilla beans are grown in Madagascar, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Uganda.

Traditional Ethnic Uses

Vanilla is one of the most popular flavorings in the world. It is used in flavoring most desserts, including ice cream, custard, cake, candy, and pudding. Vanilla is also used to enhance the flavor of beverages and sauces.

Taste and Aroma Description

Vanilla Beans have a sweet, perfumed aroma with a woody or smoky flavor. Pure Vanilla Extract has a similar aroma.

History/Region of Origin

Vanilla originated in Mexico, where the Aztecs used it to accent the flavor of chocolate drinks. The Mexican emperor, Montezuma, introduced Vanilla to the Spanish explorer Cortez, who brought it to Europe in the 16th century. The drink, made with Vanilla pods and cacao beans, became popular among the aristocracy in Europe. In 1602, a chemist for Queen Elizabeth I suggested that Vanilla could be used alone as a flavoring.

Storage Tips

Store in cool, dark, dry places.

A Few Ideas to Get You Started

One inch of Vanilla Bean is equal to one teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract. Vanilla Beans should never be refrigerated because they may develop mold when chilled. They should be kept in an air-tight container at room temperature. Add to desserts or beverages to boost sweet, fruity, or rich flavors. Provides smooth rich background taste - use to balance sauces for shellfish, chicken, and veal. Softens dairy flavors and reduces egginess in French toast and meringues. Add to a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for added richness.

Vanilla (2024)

FAQs

Vanilla? ›

Vanilla is a spice derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily obtained from pods of the flat-leaved vanilla (V. planifolia). Vanilla planifolia, flower Dried vanilla beans. Vanilla is not autogamous, so pollination is required to make the plants produce the fruit from which the vanilla spice is obtained.

What does it mean if something is vanilla? ›

: lacking distinction : plain, ordinary, conventional.

Is A vanilla a fruit? ›

Vanilla is the only edible fruit of the orchid family, the largest family of flowering plants in the world. There are over 150 varieties of vanilla plants. Just like grapes that make wine, no two vanilla beans are the same in flavor, aroma, or color. Vanilla is still the most favorite ice cream flavor in the US.

Is it Vanila or vanilla? ›

Vanilla goes by similar names in different languages such as fan ni lan (Chinese), vanila (Hindi), vainilla (Spanish), vanille (French), fanilya (Arabic), vaniglia (Italian), and vanille (German).

What does it mean to be too vanilla? ›

adjective. If you describe a person or thing as vanilla, you mean that they are ordinary, with no special or extra features. ... just plain vanilla couples like me and Tony.

When a girl says she's vanilla? ›

The term "vanilla" is commonly used metaphorically to imply a lack of distinctiveness or a preference for simplicity in various contexts, such as food, relationships, or personal style.

What is the slang term for vanilla? ›

Vanilla can be used to describe someone who is physically white or someone who acts like a stereotypical white person. Vanilla is also used to describe someone who is plain and not interesting.

What plant is vanilla extracted from? ›

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.

Is A vanilla an insect? ›

Vanilla is a spice derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily obtained from pods of the flat-leaved vanilla (V. planifolia). Vanilla is not autogamous, so pollination is required to make the plants produce the fruit from which the vanilla spice is obtained.

What crop is vanilla? ›

Vanilla is the only orchid genus known to produce a valuable crop commodity. The main species cultivated to produce vanilla are Vanilla planifolia Andrews, V. x tahitensis J.W. Moore and V.

What is a vanilla type of girl? ›

The term "Vanilla Girl" comes from the idea of embracing a plain or basic lifestyle that's grounded in classic tastes. It's about finding beauty in simplicity and cultivating a sense of comfort and ease in one's appearance and surroundings.

What does "vanilla" mean in dating? ›

A vanilla relationship is one with all the traditional values in dating, such as commitment, trust, no kink, heterosexuality in most cases, monogamy, and anything usual. Vanilla couples focus on their main goal (building a stable, normal relationship) and never stray from it.

What does vanilla symbolize? ›

Vanilla is associated not only with warmth, softness and caring, but also has connotations of purity and simplicity.

Why are things called vanilla? ›

The term "Vanilla software" has become a widespread de facto industry standard, widely used by businesses and individuals. The term comes from the traditional standard flavor of ice cream, vanilla. According to Eric S. Raymond's The New Hacker's Dictionary, "vanilla" means more "ordinary", not "default".

What is the urban definition of vanilla? ›

Urban Dictionary's top definition for “vanilla” is. “unexciting, normal, conventional, boring.” Welllllllll, we've got a new VANILLA flavor and it's definitely none.

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