Vanilla extract: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:01, 9 February 2025

A concentrated flavoring derived from vanilla beans

Vanilla extract is a solution made by macerating and percolating vanilla pods in a solution of ethanol and water. It is a common ingredient in baking and desserts, known for its distinctive aroma and flavor.

Production

Vanilla extract is produced by soaking vanilla beans in a mixture of alcohol and water. The process involves chopping the beans and allowing them to steep in the alcohol solution for several months. This extracts the flavor compounds, primarily vanillin, from the beans. The quality of the extract depends on the quality of the beans used and the duration of the extraction process.

Types

There are two main types of vanilla extract: pure and imitation. Pure vanilla extract is made from real vanilla beans, while imitation vanilla extract is made from synthetic vanillin, which is derived from sources such as wood pulp or coal tar.

Uses

Vanilla extract is widely used in baking, cooking, and perfume manufacture. It is a key ingredient in many desserts, including ice cream, custard, and cake. Its flavor is also used to enhance the taste of beverages such as coffee and hot chocolate.

Regulations

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific regulations for vanilla extract. To be labeled as "pure," the extract must contain at least 35% alcohol and 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon.

History

The use of vanilla dates back to the Aztecs, who used it to flavor their chocolate drinks. It was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The production of vanilla extract as we know it today began in the 19th century, with the development of modern extraction techniques.

Related pages

References

"Vanilla." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed October 2023.
"Vanilla Extract." FDA.gov. Accessed October 2023.

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-'''Vanilla extract''' is a solution containing the flavor compound [[vanillin]] as the primary ingredient. It is made by soaking [[vanilla beans]] in a mixture of water and alcohol. The process allows the flavors to be extracted from the beans. The solution is then aged for several months to develop a more complex flavor profile.
+{{Short description|A concentrated flavoring derived from vanilla beans}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+[[File:VanillaExtract.png|thumb|right|A bottle of vanilla extract]]
+'''Vanilla extract''' is a solution made by macerating and percolating [[vanilla]] pods in a solution of [[ethanol]] and [[water]]. It is a common ingredient in baking and desserts, known for its distinctive aroma and flavor.
-== History ==
+==Production==
+Vanilla extract is produced by soaking vanilla beans in a mixture of alcohol and water. The process involves chopping the beans and allowing them to steep in the alcohol solution for several months. This extracts the flavor compounds, primarily [[vanillin]], from the beans. The quality of the extract depends on the quality of the beans used and the duration of the extraction process.
-The use of vanilla as a flavoring agent dates back to the [[Aztecs]], who used it to flavor their chocolate drinks. The process of making vanilla extract was first developed in the 19th century, and has remained largely unchanged since then.
+==Types==
+There are two main types of vanilla extract: pure and imitation. Pure vanilla extract is made from real vanilla beans, while imitation vanilla extract is made from synthetic vanillin, which is derived from sources such as wood pulp or coal tar.
-== Production ==
+==Uses==
+Vanilla extract is widely used in [[baking]], [[cooking]], and [[perfume]] manufacture. It is a key ingredient in many desserts, including [[ice cream]], [[custard]], and [[cake]]. Its flavor is also used to enhance the taste of beverages such as [[coffee]] and [[hot chocolate]].
-The production of vanilla extract begins with the harvesting of the vanilla beans. The beans are then blanched, fermented, and dried. This process, known as curing, develops the characteristic vanilla flavor. The cured beans are then soaked in a solution of water and alcohol, typically at a ratio of 35% alcohol to 65% water. The mixture is aged for several months to allow the flavors to develop.
+==Regulations==
+In the [[United States]], the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) has specific regulations for vanilla extract. To be labeled as "pure," the extract must contain at least 35% alcohol and 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon.
-== Uses ==
+==History==
+The use of vanilla dates back to the [[Aztecs]], who used it to flavor their chocolate drinks. It was introduced to Europe by [[Spanish]] explorers in the 16th century. The production of vanilla extract as we know it today began in the 19th century, with the development of modern extraction techniques.
-Vanilla extract is widely used in both commercial and domestic baking, perfume manufacture and aromatherapy. It is a common ingredient in [[baking]], where it is used to flavor cakes, cookies, and other desserts. It is also used in the production of [[chocolate]], where it helps to enhance the flavor of the cocoa.
-== Health Benefits ==
-While vanilla extract is primarily used for its flavor, it also has several health benefits. It contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
-== See Also ==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Vanilla]]
 * [[Vanillin]]
 * [[Baking]]
-* [[Chocolate]]
-[[Category:Food]]
+==References==
-[[Category:Spices]]
+* "Vanilla." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed October 2023.
-[[Category:Flavorings]]
+* "Vanilla Extract." FDA.gov. Accessed October 2023.
-{{food-stub}}
+[[Category:Food ingredients]]
+[[Category:Flavoring agents]]
+[[Category:Vanilla]]