Vanilla extract: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 12:09, 15 February 2025

Vanilla Extract[edit]

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, desserts, and perfumes.

Production[edit]

The production of vanilla extract involves the extraction of flavor compounds from the vanilla bean, primarily vanillin. The beans are soaked in a mixture of alcohol and water, which draws out the flavor compounds. The quality of the extract depends on the quality of the beans and the extraction process.

Types of Vanilla Extract[edit]

There are two main types of vanilla extract:

Pure Vanilla Extract: Made from real vanilla beans, it contains a minimum of 35% alcohol and 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon.
Imitation Vanilla Extract: Made from synthetic vanillin, often derived from lignin, a byproduct of the wood pulp industry.

Uses[edit]

Vanilla extract is widely used in cooking and baking to enhance the flavor of cakes, cookies, ice cream, and other desserts. It is also used in beverages such as coffee and hot chocolate.

Health Benefits[edit]

While primarily used for its flavor, vanilla extract also contains small amounts of antioxidants and has been used in aromatherapy for its calming effects.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|A concentrated flavoring derived from vanilla beans}}
+== Vanilla Extract ==
-{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+[[File:VanillaExtract.png|thumb|right|Vanilla extract in a bottle]]
-[[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]], [[desserts]], and [[perfumes]].
-'''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==
+== 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 production of vanilla extract involves the extraction of flavor compounds from the [[vanilla bean]], primarily [[vanillin]]. The beans are soaked in a mixture of alcohol and water, which draws out the flavor compounds. The quality of the extract depends on the quality of the beans and the extraction process.
-==Types==
+=== Types of Vanilla Extract ===
-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.
+There are two main types of vanilla extract:
-==Uses==
+* '''Pure Vanilla Extract''': Made from real vanilla beans, it contains a minimum of 35% alcohol and 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon.
-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]].
+* '''Imitation Vanilla Extract''': Made from synthetic vanillin, often derived from [[lignin]], a byproduct of the wood pulp industry.
-==Regulations==
+== Uses ==
-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.
+Vanilla extract is widely used in [[cooking]] and [[baking]] to enhance the flavor of [[cakes]], [[cookies]], [[ice cream]], and other [[desserts]]. It is also used in [[beverages]] such as [[coffee]] and [[hot chocolate]].
-==History==
+== Health Benefits ==
-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.
+While primarily used for its flavor, vanilla extract also contains small amounts of [[antioxidants]] and has been used in [[aromatherapy]] for its calming effects.
-==Related pages==
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Vanilla]]
 * [[Vanillin]]
 * [[Baking]]
+* [[Desserts]]
-==References==
-* "Vanilla." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed October 2023.
-* "Vanilla Extract." FDA.gov. Accessed October 2023.
 [[Category:Food ingredients]]
-[[Category:Flavoring agents]]
+[[Category:Flavorings]]
-[[Category:Vanilla]]