Vanilla — why keep it in your kitchen cupboard?
Vanilla is known almost everywhere and ranks among the world's most expensive spices. Is its pleasant flavour and aroma all it offers? What properties is this plant associated with, and is the kitchen the only place it is used?
Where does vanilla come from?
Vanilla originates in tropical parts of the Americas and is now grown in other regions too. Madagascar is the largest producer and is famous for Bourbon vanilla.
It is a demanding crop, requiring suitable conditions. Attempts to move cultivation to Europe did not produce the hoped-for results, so the spice continues to be imported from distant countries.
Vanilla thrives in a tropical climate. Its natural pollination is associated with specialised local pollinators, particularly bees such as Melipona and Trigona; hummingbirds also appear in accounts of its natural environment.
A major change came in the mid-nineteenth century, when a method of hand-pollinating flowers was developed on Réunion, around 700 km from Madagascar. This allowed cultivation to spread beyond its association with Mexico.
Today, important growing areas include Madagascar, the Antilles and other Indian and Atlantic Ocean islands, alongside the Americas. Madagascar remains the leading name in global production.
What properties are associated with vanilla?
Vanilla's calming aroma is particularly valued. It is associated with easing stress and nervousness while also feeling uplifting to people who are exhausted, tired or low in mood. Traditional uses also mention sleep problems and snacking urges. This helps explain the many vanilla-scented candles, aromatic oils, oil burners and humidifier fragrances available.
Antioxidant activity is another area of interest, linked with ageing, skin condition and research into disease prevention. Vanilla is also traditionally associated with antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, including use for rheumatic and degenerative discomfort. It has long appeared on lists of aphrodisiacs too.
How can you use vanilla in the kitchen?
The culinary world loves vanilla in forms such as pods, vanilla or vanillin sugar, powder and alcohol-based extract. It is a classic ingredient in custards, ice cream, cakes, creams and sweet soft cheeses. We increasingly use it in coffee, tea and hot chocolate too.
Our shop offers a natural vanilla-flavoured syrup, convenient for tea, coffee, desserts and baking.
Vanilla also appears in one of our own teas. Curious about Albert Tea Bourbon Vanilla? Explore its combination of vanilla, pineapple, peach and sunflower, then leave a review beneath the product!
Vanilla pairs beautifully with ginger, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. It also works with lemon or lime juice, almonds and coconut — and can complement fish, white meat or veal.
Where is vanilla used beyond the kitchen?
The cosmetics industry makes extensive use of its appealing aroma. You can find it in body scrubs and lotions, shower gels, liquid soaps, hand creams, shampoos, nail-polish removers, cuticle oils and many other face, body and hair products.
It is also used in aromatherapy and perfumery. The pharmaceutical industry uses vanilla to improve the taste and smell of medicines.
Read also: Cloves and their remarkable qualities — why do we love this spice?