Vanilla may seem like a simple flavour, but it has one of the most fascinating histories in the culinary world. Loved across the UK in everything from custards to ice cream, vanilla is anything but ordinary.
Vanilla comes from the orchid Vanilla planifolia
This makes it the only edible fruit produced by an orchid plant. Growing vanilla is labour-intensive. Each flower must be pollinated by hand within a day of blooming. This process is one reason real vanilla is one of the world’s most expensive spices, second only to saffron.
The UK’s love affair with vanilla stretches back centuries
Vanilla first arrived in Britain in the 17th century, quickly becoming popular in Georgian and Victorian desserts. Its sweetness made it a favourite in puddings, pastries, and even various types of chocolate! You can travel around Europe, visiting some of the most famous chocolate destinations.
Most vanilla-flavoured products in the UK today use vanillin
This is a compound that gives vanilla its aroma. While synthetic vanillin is common, natural vanilla, often labelled as ‘vanilla extract’ or ‘vanilla paste’ comes directly from cured vanilla beans and has a far richer, more complex flavour. If you want to try a range of Natural Flavourings for your food, there are specialists such as https://foodieflavours.com/collections/natural-flavourings.
Vanilla is also prized outside of food
Its scent is widely used in perfumes and aromatherapy because it’s believed to be calming and comforting.
Madagascar produces around 70-80% of the world’s vanilla
Other varieties, such as Tahitian and Mexican vanilla, each offer their own unique aroma profiles.
