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About Vanilla
Vanilla Beans
Vanilla originated in Mexico around the 15th century and according to Wikipedia "...Aztecs used vanilla as a flavoring for chocolate in drinks called xocohotl." Vanilla beans are actually the fruit of orchids. The orchid flowers must be hand pollinated to produce fruit. There are only 2 species of orchids which produce vanilla beans and they are Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla tahitensis.
Another thing to note is they only grow in tropical places between 20 degrees North and South of the equator. Look for Madagascar vanilla extract, pure vanilla extract and vanilla paste when baking and cooking.
VANILLA BEANS GRADES
Vanilla Flavor Profiles
Vanilla beans have different flavor profiles based on the species, where they are grown and how they are cured.
Some of the most popular vanilla flavor profiles are Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Indonesian, Mexico and Tahitian.
Grade A
Also known as "Gourmet" beans. These beans are at least 6 inches (15 cm) long, have a moisture content of at least 25%, dark brown or black in color, straight with no visual imperfections or splits and are soft, oily & pliable to the touch.
***If any of these criteria are not met, then it is not a Grade A vanilla bean.
Ideal Use: Ice cream, baking, cooking and making extract.
Grade B
Also known as "Extract" beans. These beans are between 4 inches(10cm) & 6 inches (15cm) long and have a moisture content of 15% to 25%. They are brown in color, have imperfections or blemishes and may not be straight. Most Grade B beans are soft and pliable like Grad A.
Ideal Use: Making vanilla extract, vanilla powder, baking and cooking
Vanilla Is A Flavor Enhancer
Vanilla has over 300 flavor compounds making it an exceptional flavor enhancer. We recommend adding vanilla to a recipe which has any of the ingredients below.
- Chocolate, Ice Cream, Honey, Frosting, Whipped Cream, Pudding & Custard
- Peaches, Pears, Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries & Strawberries
- Cookies, Cakes, Brownies & Pies
- Pancake & Waffle Batter, Oatmeal & Yogurt
- Smoothies, sauces, side dishes and soups
- Italian Dishes, Seafood, Salsa & Casseroles
- Caramel, Coffee & Creme Brulee TOO!
Many other ingredients pair well with vanilla. Check out the book "The Flavor Bible" written by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
About us
Wears Market Vanilla
Ty and Cate Wears are the founders of Wears Market Vanilla. We make our vanilla products in small batches using the highest quality ingredients. Our pure vanilla extracts are aged a minimum of 12 months and our unique process produces deliciously concentrated Madagascar vanilla extracts which enhance the flavor of any recipe and will elevate your baking and cooking. If you really want vanilla to be the star in a dessert use Wears Market vanilla paste.