Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Deal With Pure Vanilla?
Chris' good friend recently returned from Mexica and brought us back some real vanilla, not the extract...but I think it has some alcohol in it, or its soaked in rum. Does anyone know the scoop on pure vanilla?? (I know I'm the food scientist, but I can't remember). I was just wondering if someone else knew or had heard anything about it. Don't worry, I won't be judging anyone if they say they do use it and it's a little bit alcoholic!
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Well, there is a lot to learn about pure vanilla. Here is a link to learn all about it. http://www.joyofbaking.com/Vanilla.html
It is very interesting. There is 35% alcohol in the pure vanilla extract you get from the store (the kind most people use) Don't worry though, you are not a booze hound for using it. I'm not sure of the alcohol content of your vanilla but the strong flavor may also be the concentrated strong flavor of the vanilla which may taste a little boozie. Also there is a disclaimer on this site about Mexican vanilla so watch out:
"The Mexican vanilla bean is a thicker and darker bean that has a smooth, strong, rich fragrance and flavor. Some say they are the best. The one problem is that some manufacturers of vanilla products in Mexico add coumarin, which is banned by the FDA because it can cause liver and kidney damage. So make sure you always buy Mexican vanilla products from a reputable supplier."
All I know is that the best vanilla in the world comes from Madagascar. (up north, I think, not near the city where I worked.) But it was a big deal in the country, one that they really prided themselves on.
I did some of my own looking around too, and read about the coumarin thing too. He gave us two brands, one he said was apparently better, I just have to remember which one.
As for Madagascar vanilla I did read that they specialize in a high quality vanilla, but one producer who produces both madagascar and mexican said that mexican is the highest quality. I dunno though, I've never tried either of them..yet.
Tom - I have read that Madagascar vanilla is the best as well. I have never tried it, though.
I've also never tried the vanilla from Madagascar...it was too expensive, even for us relatively rich missionaries.
One day though...that's all we'll use. (maybe, but probably not)
Aunt Susan says the best vanilla is the Mexican vanilla and Grandma always asks for it. (She just got back from Mexico last night.)
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