Vanilla is the fruit of a perennial, climbing orchid, native to central America.Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron, because, like saffron, its production is very labor-intensive. Vanilla is an important herbal medicine.

It is not known when Vanilla was first cured and used as a flavoring, but tribes ruled by the Aztecs have fairly sophisticated methods of fermenting the bean- like fruit to extract Vanilla crystals. The Spanish conquistadores drank chocolate flavored with vanilla. They enjoyed it and shipped both Vanilla and chocolate back to Spain. They also gave the fruit its name: vanilla. Today vanilla is exported from Mexico, Reunion, Madagascar, Tahiti, and Indonesia. Good vanilla beans are deep brown or black.


Health Benefits of Vanilla.

Vanilla has many health benefits. It is a valuable herbal medicine.

It helps to increase male potency. Vanilla can be used for strengthening the immune system.

Vanilla is a help in prevention of cancer, memory loss, and vanilla oil is used to reduce fever as it helps in fighting internal infections.

Vanilla is used in making depression, anxiety, and stress reducing medicines. Vanilla is used to cure congestion, cough and other sinus related problems.

Culinary Uses.

Bourbon Vanilla from Madagascar and Reunion has a rich creamy, flavor. Mexican was considered to be the most delicate and complex. Tahitian smells more heady and fruity. Indonesian vanilla has a smokier, strong flavor.

Whole or split beans are most used to flavor creams, custards and ice cream. The presence of the tiny black specs, the sticky seeds in the dishes indicates authenticity. Vanilla flavors cakes, tarts and syrups, and used for poaching fruit. Vanilla also embraces tea and coffee.

Vanilla is good with apples, melon, peaches, pears, strawberries, fish and sea food, cream, milk, and eggs.

It combines well with cardamom, chili, cinnamon, cloves and saffron.
Vanilla is nature's herbal medicine.Search Amazon.com for Culinary Uses.