Vanilla Beans

Vanilla Beans are the seed pod of an orchid originating from Mexico and Central America. The word vanilla comes from the Spanish word "vainilla" meaning little pod. The whole beans or portions of them are added to creams, sugars, coffees and custards to enhance and enrich the flavor of the dish. Vanilla beans are very expense sometimes costing more than $3.00 per bean. As a result, vanilla extracts offer a less expensive alternative to adding vanilla to any dish. The variations in the price of pure vanilla extract come from the difference in the quality of the bean and additives to the final product. Pure vanilla extract should have no sugar added. It will last forever, aging like fine liquor. FDA standards require that pure vanilla extract contain 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon during extraction and 35 percent alcohol. Look for PURE VANILLA EXTRACT from a good provider and read the ingredients before you buy. This is one of those ingredients that you use such a small amount at any one time that you should really invest in a good quality extract.