Why is Mexican vanilla different?

Pure vanilla is made with the extract of beans from the vanilla plant. Mexican vanilla is frequently made with the extract of beans from the tonka tree, an entirely different plant that belongs to the pea family. Tonka bean extract contains coumarin. Look for “vanilla bean” on the label’s ingredient list.

Why is Mexican vanilla clear?

The flavoring is a synthetic version of vanillin, the chemical responsible for the flavor of vanilla beans, which is how they are able to keep the color perfectly clear. Clear vanilla extract is most often used in frosting and filling recipes, where bakers want to keep the color as clean as possible.

Where is vanilla grown in Mexico?

Veracruz
The most rich and authentic vanilla grows in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, near the Gulf of Mexico. Since this discovery, Mexican Vanilla has been produced in other tropical regions of the world, but only through artificial pollinization.

Is clear Mexican vanilla real?

Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean are poor countries and pure vanilla is expensive. Most Mexicans buy imitation vanilla too. If tourists are willing to buy the cheap imitations, all the better for the vendors. Clear vanilla is pure, synthetic vanillin made by chemists.

What did the Aztecs do with vanilla?

When the Aztecs conquered the Totonacs in 1427, they discovered the essence of the black vanilla pod brought in flavoring and medicinal value to their culture. They were the first to use both vanilla and cocoa together to help with the flavor of their foods and drinks, often mixing them together.

Why can’t I find Mexican vanilla beans?

Today, very little of the world’s global vanilla cultivation comes from Mexico. The Mexican Revolution, global warming, competition from Madagascar, drug cartels desiring land for drug production, etc. all contributed to a decline in Mexican vanilla bean production.

What flavor is Mexican vanilla?

A rich marriage of sweet and woody notes, the Mexican vanilla flavor profile has a deep, creamy, spicy-sweet character, similar to clove or nutmeg. Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract’s unique flavor profile means it works especially well with chocolate, citrus fruits, cinnamon , cloves and other warm spices.

What is pure Mexican vanilla?

Mexican vanilla, which many consider the most pure and flavorful version of vanilla, originates in southern Mexico and Central America and is the only type of vanilla plant that can be naturally pollinated. Mexican vanilla beans have a somewhat distinctive shape and produce a distinctive flavor as well.

Is vanilla from Mexico safe?

Vanilla is perfectly safe in Mexico and it tastes a lot better. Vanilla ice cream in Mexico has some taste to it as opposed to the very bland kind in the US.

What is pure Mexican vanilla extract?

Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract is made from premium, hand-selected beans cultivated in Mexico, the original birthplace of the vanilla plant. Our proprietary cold extraction process gently draws out and preserves the vanilla’s more than 250 flavor compounds, resulting in one of the world’s most exceptional vanillas.