Vanilla

Vanilla is a perennial plant. According to the biological classification, it is classified as a vine. Belongs to the Orchid family (Orchidaceae).

The name of the genus comes from the Spanish language, where it means "pod", however, vanilla fruits are boxes.

Title in other languages:

• lat. Vanilla planifolia,
• German Mexican Vanille, Echte Vanille,
• English Vanilla, common vanilla
• fr. Vanille, Vanille du Mexique.

It is noteworthy that in all European languages ​​\u200b\u200b"vanilla" - "Vanilla" is written almost the same, with the exception of the endings of the word, and there are no other names for this spice.

It can climb trees up to a height of 15 m.

The trunk of vanilla is knotty, relatively thin: its diameter is up to 2 cm. The trunk practically does not branch.

The leaves are long, flat and fleshy, pointed-oval in shape. They grow on the stem between the nodes and are attached by shoots to the tree around which the vine is twisted. At the nodes, on the reverse side of the leaf, a root grows. Due to it, the vine is also tightly attached to the tree.

Clusters of flowers are on short stalks. They are formed in the axils of the leaves and contain about 15 yellow-green flowers, which have a rather sharp aroma. The perianth consists of five leaves, and in the sixth, a pistil with a stamen grows. Since it is enclosed in a tube, it is more difficult for butterflies to pollinate it.

From the flowers, green fruits are formed in boxes (many mistakenly call them pods). The ovary forms a fruit of a narrow oblong shape, which is a box with three faces in the shape of a cylinder. The length of the fruit can reach 25 cm. Their width is about 1.5 cm. They contain a pulp that resembles mousse, and many black seeds are located in it. The fruits are harvested when they turn yellow.

Officially, there are 103 types of vanilla. Most of them are considered decorative.

Spice is obtained from three types:

• flat-leaved (Vanilla planifolia) - provides the best quality spices, has pods reaching a length of up to 0.25 m. It has the widest application.
• Tahitian (Vanilla tahitensis) - This species grows in Tahiti. It has red-brown pods that have a floral exotic aroma with fruity notes and a slight tobacco note. They contain less vanillin and therefore are cheaper. It is used in the preparation of desserts, ice cream, creams. In addition, it is used in the field of perfumery.
• Guadalupe (Vanilla pompona) from Central and South America - vanilla from the pods of this species is no longer of such good quality and is less appreciated. The aroma is similar to Tahitian, it is used for the production of perfumes and flavoring tobacco.

Vanilla grows in tropical and subtropical areas. Most often it is cultivated in countries located on the equator. The largest volume of vanilla production belongs to the island of Madagascar. At the same time, vanilla is exported to China and Indonesia.

Vanilla came from Mexico and Central America, after which it gained its popularity in other countries.

The most famous spice, vanilla, is obtained from vanilla pods.The process of obtaining spices from vanilla is quite complicated. The fruits themselves do not smell.

In order for them to give their unique flavor, they are fermented:

Initially, the pods are harvested not quite ripe, while they have not yet had time to open.

• It is necessary that the pod be dried (to prevent rotting) for 8-10 days, but at the same time moisture must be preserved in it, and in no case should the enzymes responsible for the production of vanillin suffer. It is impossible to determine this from the readings of the instruments. Vanilla growers can only rely on their own ability.
• Then they are kept in the shade for 5 weeks. At the same time, they become brownish-black, acquire elasticity and begin to smell.
• After that, they are tied into bunches and left for another month in metal boxes, where they get their unique bouquet.
• Vanilla is shipped in wooden boxes lined with waxed paper. In this case, each beam is checked.

Producer cooperatives invite special tasters who smell the pod with a defect. This pod is removed, because it can render the whole bunch unusable.

The quality of vanilla depends on the type of vine and drying conditions. The appearance of the pods is taken into account. They should be quite elastic, slightly twisted. Their surface should be slightly oily and have a brownish color with a white coating.

In markets and retail chains, vanilla is sold in the form of:

• pods;
• powder;
• vanilla sugar;
• extract.

Vanilla pods and powder must be sealed. When purchasing a powder, pay attention to the composition on the package. The fact is that vanilla powder is expensive and unscrupulous manufacturers often replace it with a synthetic analogue. If synthetic raw materials were used in the production of the spice, the presence of lingin will be indicated on the packaging. Just 20 grams of this powder can replace one kilogram of natural vanilla powder.

In order to preserve all the organoleptic and beneficial properties of vanilla pods, the spice must be stored in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. It is advisable to protect from direct sunlight. Many people store vanilla beans with granulated sugar, which takes on a delicate vanilla flavor that lends itself to drinks and baked goods.

Extracts and essences also need to be stored in a dark place and tightly close the bottle cap.

Vanilla is one of the more expensive spices. It is quite difficult to grow due to the difficulty of pollination. At the same time, artificial production of vanillin does not give the same taste and aroma that are obtained during natural production. Under proper storage conditions, the smell can last up to 36 years.

The following characteristics of vanilla are known:

• it is used as an aphrodisiac;
• it contains a large amount of minerals and antioxidants;
• sugar, vanilla extract, essence and syrup are made from it;
• it is actively used in cooking.

The smell of vanilla gives dishes, especially confectionery, a delicate, unforgettable aroma. However, it is also used in perfumery.A lot of perfumes have subtle vanilla notes in their smell. Most often, vanilla, which grows in Reunion, is used for perfumery purposes.

Vanilla scent:

• invigorates
• improves memory,
• helps in concentration,
• gives joy,
• causes our brain to produce serotonin - the hormone of happiness.

Moreover, seratonin is able to act on smooth muscles, so the smell of vanilla helps with painful periods. The smell of vanilla is a powerful aphrodisiac that not only stimulates sexual desire, but is also able to prolong sexual intercourse.

But its content is about 2%, so it is the most significant and largely determines the value of vanilla.

The remaining components are present in the fragrance in very small doses, but are very important for the overall impression, because these 399 components add up to a full aroma. That is why we recommend using only natural vanilla to enjoy the smell of vanilla.

Nutritional value and calorie content of 100 grams of product

One vanilla pod weighs about 3 grams.

You can learn about the properties of vanilla from the following video.

Vanilla has the following beneficial properties:

• makes the skin more elastic;
• helps to get rid of acne and skin irritations;
• whitens the skin;
• normalizes digestion;
• helps with hormonal problems;
• improves metabolism;
• acts as a powerful aphrodisiac;
• tones and relaxes;
• improves mood;
• helps women during menstrual cycles.

Vanilla is actively used in aromatherapy, restoring appetite, improving the functioning of the nervous system.

But vanilla has not only useful, but also harmful properties:

• stupefying smell;
• increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Vanilla essential oil tends to cause excessive sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, so after using it, you should not expose your skin to direct sunlight.

Vanilla is contraindicated:

• pregnant women;
• in the presence of personal intolerance;
• if you have an allergy.

Vanilla essential oil is a product that is very often adulterated. It is obtained from the pods that have undergone fermentation, after which the extraction process with oily solvents is carried out. It is long and requires high-quality technological equipment. At the output, the amount of oil is very small. But it is also used in very small doses.

In appearance, vanilla oil is viscous, thick and oily, with overflows in the light. Vanilla oil has a strong, spicy-sweet aroma that lasts for years. It has found application in medicine, cosmetology and aromatherapy.

Vanilla oil is widely used in aromatherapy.

It promotes:

• sedation
• stress relief,
• insomnia.

Oil is added to many perfume compositions.It also has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, making it supple, soft and tender. It allows you to treat irritations on the skin, even out its color.

The oil is not only an excellent flavoring agent, but also has a rejuvenating effect. The beneficial properties of this oil allow it to be used to combat various diseases. Vanilla essential oil can be used orally, inhaled or in aroma lamps, or added to a bath or massage mixture. The oil is also used in cooking in appropriate dosages.

The juice is extracted from the leaves of the plant. One use: rub into the scalp to improve hair growth.

The range of uses of vanilla in cooking is quite extensive:

• it is used in the preparation of confectionery;
• vanilla is added to drinks;
• vanillin is often added to chocolate, including drinks made from it;
• vanilla goes well with fruits;
• many alcoholic drinks are based on vanilla essence;
• Vanilla sugar is made from vanilla.

Vanilla has a bitter taste, so it is usually ground into a powder and added to powdered sugar. There is only one pod per pound of sugar. Vanilla is added to puddings, jams, fruit dishes and alats, bakery products. Vanilla syrup is impregnated with cake layers.

Vanilla essence is often added to liqueurs.

Vanilla sugar is obtained by mixing vanilla with powdered sugar. Vanilla extract is obtained by infusing small pods in an alcohol solution, and then it is added to desserts.

Vanilla powder is obtained by grinding the dried pods.Essence is one of the varieties of vanilla extract, only more pods are used in its preparation.

Coffee and vanilla combination is one of the most successful. It is on this tandem that the aroma of the famous Sheridan's liqueur is based.

Vanilla is often used to make vanilla creams. When cooked in cream or milk, the incised pod begins to exude its unique aroma. Then you need to take it out, scrape off the pulp and just add it to the milk.

After cooking, the pods need to be washed, they can be used to make syrup or vanilla sugar: the peeled pods are placed in a jar of sugar. The jar is tightly closed - and in 1-2 weeks you will have the most excellent vanilla sugar.

After making vanilla sugar, the pods are placed in a bottle and filled with sugar syrup. After a short time, you will get a fragrant vanilla syrup that can be used to sweeten desserts and sauces. Shelf life - 4-6 months.

You can also make vanilla extract at home.

• Take 1 vanilla pod and 30 ml of alcohol.
• First, the pod is cut lengthwise, then cut into pieces.
• Put the vanilla in a specially prepared jar and fill it with alcohol.
• The composition is infused for three weeks.
• After this period, the pods are taken out and new ones are added so that the extract is more concentrated.

Separating the vanilla pulp is a rather laborious process.

In doing so, you need to remember that:

• most of the flavoring substances are contained in the pods, and not in the pulp of the seeds and the oil itself;
• vanilla must be of high quality;
• real vanilla is expensive, but the pods can be used repeatedly.

To separate the pulp, you need:

• Put the pod on the board, take it by the base and cut it lengthwise with a knife;
• Press down the cut pods and gently run along with a knife, separating the pulp;
• The pulp can be used to make vanilla sugar or syrup.

Required: 0.5 liters. milk, 3 yolks, 100 g sugar and vanilla extract.

• The yolks are beaten with sugar and heated in a water bath until thickened.
• 250 ml of milk is heated in a separate container, vanilla extract is added and milk is mixed with a mixture of yolks.
• The resulting mixture is heated for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
• The mixture is removed from heat, the remaining 250 ml of milk is added and cooled.
• After the mixture has cooled, it is placed in a plastic container in the freezer.
• During the first few hours, the mixture is stirred periodically to keep the ice cream uniform.

Vanilla is often used in traditional medicine. With her help:

• relieve fevers;
• eliminate pain and discomfort in the stomach;
• treat disorders of the nervous system;
• treat mental illness;
• eliminate drowsiness;
• treat rheumatism;
• stimulate the work of muscles;
• improve digestion;
• treat intestinal diseases;
• suppress the tendency to drink alcohol;
• treat sleep disorders;
• used for delays in the menstrual cycle and premenstrual syndrome;
• used for antibacterial purposes;
• used in the fight against cancer;
• treat anemia.

It is known that when adding vanilla extract to food, you can save yourself from harmful bacteria.

When using vanilla during PMS and menstrual cycles, women feel much less discomfort and pain.

Nutritionists have discovered that the smell of vanilla can be used in the fight against excess weight. It helps suppress cravings for sweets and chocolate.Therefore, an effective method is recognized when overweight patients wear pendants containing vanilla oil.

Many modern weight loss systems include vanilla, not as a food supplement, but as a powerful antidepressant. Inhaling the sweet aroma of vanilla helps fight bad moods, relieves anxiety and calms the nerves. In addition, when inhaling this smell, a person produces hormones that block the feeling of hunger. You can also add a drop of vanilla oil to the finished dish, and then saturation occurs much faster.

Many cosmetic companies have long known about the benefits of vanilla for the skin and started producing creams based on vanilla extract.

And, of course, this is one of the favorite fragrances of perfumers.

"Mora, Mora" ("Calmly and without haste") - this is how they say about capricious vanilla in Madagascar. After all, in addition to the humid tropical climate of the north of this island, it needs to be given a lot of time so that the unleavened fruits turn into fragrant vanilla.

Vanilla is propagated by cuttings. The plant is pollinated artificially, and the first fruits appear after three years of cultivation. Liana has a high growth rate. In just a month, it can grow by a meter. But for this to be true, it must create the most favorable conditions.

Flowers can bear fruit for several decades.

The length of the vines can reach up to 50 m. Vanilla plantations are planted next to supports or pre-planted trees so that the vines have something to attach to.

Watch a video of how vanilla grows on a plantation in India.

Growing a vanilla flower at home is very difficult. However, even if you managed to grow the plant, it will be even more difficult to achieve a harvest, since you will have to pollinate the vanilla yourself.

• Vanilla needs a tropical, hot and humid climate, so you will need to build a greenhouse first.
• Before planting, vanilla shoots should be soaked in water for 10 minutes.
• Then pull the plant out, but not completely, leaving the tips in the water. Leave the shoot in this position for 5 days. Don't forget to add water periodically.
• Fill the pot with special soil for orchids. Make sure the plant has a support around which it can wrap itself. The place where the pot will stand should be in the shade for half a day.
• Plant the plant in a pot. The lower part of the plant (on which the shoots are located) should lie horizontally and be sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. Tie up a flower.
• During the first month, the soil should be dry, but not overdried. Moisturize it from time to time. In the months that follow, water, mist, and fertilize the plant regularly.
• It takes several years for vanilla to bloom.
• When the plant blooms, it should be pollinated by hand. This must be done very carefully and at a strictly defined time. It is best to call an experienced grower for help, or turn to specialized Internet sites.
• If everything goes well, the pods will begin to tie in a few months. When the pods begin to turn yellow at the bottom, it will be possible to harvest.

• Vanilla was known to the Aztecs and Incas.Representatives of the nobility gave her a special flavor to drinks made from cocoa beans.
• The Aztecs sweetened bitter chocolate with it and then used it to pay taxes.
• Due to the complexity of growing and preparing the spice, vanilla is considered a very expensive spice.
• Vanilla was brought to Russia at the beginning of the 17th century.
• Among the entire Orchid family, only vanilla has edible fruits.
• Vanilla has been considered medicinal since ancient times. This discovery was made by the Indians.
• In France, tobacco was previously flavored with vanilla.
• Vanilla came into wide use after the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.
• There is a youth fashion trend "Vanilla Style".

Due to its high cost, vanilla is often adulterated. It is very rare to find real vanilla, artificial analogues are more often on sale, since vanilla of natural origin is quite expensive.

Learn more about vanilla by watching the video.