Vanilla

A flavoring derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla''

Vanilla

File:Vanilla planifolia.jpg

Vanilla planifolia flower

Dried vanilla beans

Vanilla is a flavoring derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily obtained from pods of the Mexican species, Vanilla planifolia. The word vanilla, derived from the diminutive of the Spanish word vaina (vaina itself meaning a sheath or a pod), is translated simply as "little pod". Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican people cultivated the vine of the vanilla orchid, called tlilxochitl by the Aztecs.

History

The Aztecs are credited with introducing vanilla to the Spanish Empire in the 16th century. The Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés is often credited with bringing vanilla to Europe, where it was initially used as a flavoring for chocolate. By the 17th century, vanilla was being used as a flavoring in its own right.

Cultivation

Vanilla is grown in tropical regions around the world, with Madagascar, Réunion, and the Comoros producing the majority of the world's supply. The vanilla orchid is a vine that requires a support to grow, and it is often cultivated alongside trees that provide shade and support. The flowers of the vanilla orchid must be pollinated by hand, a labor-intensive process that contributes to the high cost of vanilla.

Processing

After harvesting, vanilla beans undergo a lengthy curing process to develop their characteristic flavor and aroma. This process involves several stages, including blanching, sweating, drying, and conditioning. The beans are first blanched in hot water, then wrapped in blankets to sweat, which encourages the development of vanillin, the primary flavor compound in vanilla. The beans are then dried in the sun and conditioned for several months to enhance their flavor.

Uses

Vanilla is widely used in both food and cosmetics. In food, it is a popular flavoring for ice cream, baked goods, and confectionery. Vanilla extract, made by macerating vanilla beans in alcohol, is a common ingredient in many recipes. In cosmetics, vanilla is used for its fragrance in perfumes and lotions.

Synthetic Vanilla

Due to the high cost of natural vanilla, synthetic vanilla flavoring, known as vanillin, is often used as a substitute. Vanillin can be derived from lignin, a byproduct of the wood pulp industry, or synthesized from guaiacol, a compound derived from petrochemicals.

Related pages

• Vanilla planifolia
• Vanillin
• Spice
• Orchidaceae