************************************************************ Vanilla, The Tasty Orchid *************************** Alex Challis *************************** What is Vanilla? Vanilla flavor comes from the fermented seed pods of the Vanilla plant, which is an orchid. The small dark specks that you see in real vanilla ice cream are the seeds. They are called beans due to their resemblance of green string-beans. The Vanilla orchid grows as a vine, and can reach lengths of 100 feet. In cultivation it is grown much as is a bean-stalk, on a pole for support. There are around 50 species of Vanilla, but only three are used for flavoring. Vanilla planifolia (or V. fragrans) produces the best flavor. The vanilla does grow easily when cultivated indoors, but needs very bright light to bloom. Without the blooms, you will not get seed pods. There are several species of Vanilla available, including variegated forms. The flowers must be hand pollinated, with an average worker pollinating 1000 to 2000 flowers a day. After 8 or 9 months, the nearly ripe fruits are harvested and dipped in hot water to stop further ripening. They are then sun-dried for a couple of hours during the day, and wrapped at night and allowed to "sweat". This is done until the beans are a shriveled and dark brown, and may take up to 5 months. Vanilla extract is made by dissolving the essential flavor components in an alcohol-water mixture. The beans are chopped up and placed in the mixture for 48 hours between 60¯F and 130¯F. The liquid is then separated from the residue. Sugar is added to mellow the alcohol. There is a definite difference in taste between pure vanilla extract and synthetic substitutes. This is especially noticeable in non-baked goods such as ice cream. History of Vanilla The Totonac tribe of Mexico is credited with being the first to use vanilla as a flavoring, possibly over a thousand years ago. The beans were later used as tribute to the Emperor of the Aztecs. In the early 1500's, when Hernan Cortes of Spain met with Emperor Montezuma, it was noted that the Emperor drank chocolatl, served from golden goblets with gold spoons. The mixture was a thick liquid that melted in the mouth. It was made from powdered cocoa beans, ground corn and tlilxochitl (black vanilla pods). Cortes took vanilla with him to Europe, but by the 18th century, vanilla was used in France more than any other European country. They used it for flavoring, and for scenting perfumes and tobacco. Vanilla was brought to the United States in the late 1700's by Thomas Jefferson. Cuttings of the Vanilla vine were planted in other tropical areas, where they grew easily, but would not produce any seed pods. It was later discovered that the flowers of the plants in Mexico were pollinated by certain small bees, hummingbirds, and possibly ants. These particular pollinators were not taken with the plants, so the flowers never produced fruits. In 1841, a method of hand pollination was perfected, and vanilla beans were then produced in great quantity. Plantations were quickly developed in Madagascar, the Reunion Islands, the Seychelles Islands, Tahiti, the Comoro Islands, Ceylon, Java, the Philippines and parts of Africa. Vanilla Extract & Flavorings Pure Vanilla Extract Liquid: made from vanilla beans, alcohol and water, with possibly sugar added. Must contain at least 35% alcohol. Natural Vanilla Flavor: mix of pure vanilla extract and other natural substances extracted from natural sources other than the vanilla bean. Vanilla Flavor: mix of pure vanilla extract and synthetic substances, most commonly vanillin. Imitation Vanilla: a mixture made from synthetic substances which imitate the vanilla smell and flavor. Often contains propylene glycol, which is also found in automotive anti-freeze. Artificial Vanillin: also called lignin vanillin, a by-product of the paper industry, chemically treated to resemble the taste of real vanilla. Ethyl Vanillin: an ingredient used in imitation vanilla which is three times as strong as artificial vanillin, and is a coal tar derivative. Vanilla as an Aphrodisiac Vanilla is a pleasant, aromatic aphrodisiac, and may posses magical influences in physical energy as well as love. Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness. She became the vanilla orchid so that she could forever belong to her human love and his people. The local people still celebrate the Vanilla Festival at the end of the harvest with dances and feasts. Other notable uses include the Aztec Emperor, Montezuma, who would drink chocolatl before visiting his wives. In 1762 a German physician, Bezaar Zimmermann, claimed that 342 impotent men, by drinking vanilla decoctions, had been changed into astonishing good lovers of at least as many women. Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of Louis XV of France, was fond of chocolates spiced with vanilla and amber. American women once dabbed vanilla extract behind the ear as a magical love perfume. Like the saying goes: the way to a man's heart may be through his stomach. Vanilla may be added to massage oils such as jojoba oil for a pleasing effect. In addition to its use internally, its fragrance calms, relaxes and softens anger, frustrations and irritability. It is used in creams, body lotions, bath oil, perfumes and aroma lamps. In aroma therapy, it mixes well with tonka bean, rose, mimosa, lime and bergamot. Recipe for a Romantic Evening, Stimulating all 5 senses: An arrangement of Dendrobium orchid sprays, for the eyes. Vanilla scented candles, for the nose. Chocolates served with Vanilla Tea, for the taste buds. Massage Oil with Vanilla extract added, for touch. Mozart, Barry White, or your favorite artist, for the ears. (Even Vanilla Ice if you are so inclined.) Products with Vanilla There are many foodstuffs with vanilla added, and some are primarily vanilla flavored, both naturally and artificially. The most known of course is Vanilla ice cream and wafers, but you can also find vanilla in: puddings, cake mix:, frosting, cookies, yogurts, sodas, teas, and baby food. There's even a vanilla beer available! Many products have vanilla aroma added. These may also be natural or artificial. Often the artificial oils are more intense These include incense cones, air fresheners, room deodorizing sprays, candles, body lotions, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and bath and shower gels. Vanilla Ice Marigolds & Sunflowers: Not unless someone's been tinkering with the DNA. ************************************************************