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Description
Vanilla is derived from the dried, cured beans or fruit pods of
the large, green-stemmed climbing perennial, Vanilla planifolia,
which is a member of the orchid family. Although Vanilla beans
are sometimes used in their whole form, they are most commonly
used for producing extracts and flavors.
Uses
Vanilla is used principally for ice cream, soft drinks, eggnogs,
chocolate confectionery, candy, tobacco, baked goods, puddings,
cakes, cookies, liqueurs, and as a fragrantly tenacious
ingredient in perfumery.
Origins
Vanilla originated in Mexico, but today the United States buys
Vanilla beans from Madagascar, Indonesia, Uganda and Tonga. Most
of the world's high-quality beans come from Madagascar, an
island off the coast of Africa.
Folklore
Vanilla was enjoyed by the Aztecs in a drink called Xoco-lall,
which was made from cocoa and Vanilla beans. Cortéz sampled this
drink and returned to Spain with reports it contained magical
powers. Europeans mixed Vanilla beans with their tobacco for
smoking and chewing, and considered it a miracle drug. |
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