Vanilla is a native of South and Central America and the Caribbean; and the first people to have cultivated it seem to have been the Totonacs of Mexico’s east coast. The Aztecs acquired vanilla when they conquered the Totonacs in the 15th Century; the Spanish, in turn, got it when they conquered the Aztecs.
What is vanilla extract made of?
Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol ( 1 ). The extract gets its signature vanilla flavor from a molecule called vanillin found in vanilla beans ( 1 , 2).
Where did vanilla spread after the Columbian Exchange?
(Totonacs/Aztecs) Vanilla is a flavoring derived from orchids of the Mexican species, flat-leaved vanilla. The plant was spread through the ocean from Mexico to central America to Europe where it made its way around the world.
How do you take care of a vanilla bean orchid?
To accomplish this the plant needs food. Fertilize the orchid every two weeks with a diluted orchid fertilizer. Water the plant consistently to keep it evenly moist but allow the top 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) to dry out between watering. Vanilla orchid care does require vigilance for spider mites and mealybugs.
Why is vanilla grown in Madagascar?
Combined with the hot, humid climate and rich soil, hand pollination by the country’s skilled and patient farmers has enabled Madagascar to become the world’s top vanilla producer in both quantity and quality.
How much alcohol does vanilla extract have?
By FDA standards, pure vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35 percent alcohol, the same proof as Captain Morgan rum. You can’t buy it in liquor stores, but it’s sold in grocery stores and for many, it is a household staple.
Why is vanilla extract so expensive?
Vanilla extract comes from a plant that is very finicky and difficult to grow. Additionally, most are grown in Madagascar, which has experienced a number of storms in the last five years that have destroyed crops. Both of these factors heavily affect the price a consumer pays for pure vanilla extract.
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.
How did vanilla spread around the world?
During the 15th century, the Aztecs developed a taste for vanilla after conquering the Totonocopan region, forcing the Totonacas to pay tribute with their vanilla pods. The taste of vanilla expanded to Europe after the Spanish conquered the Aztecs and brought back the chocolatl drink to Spain.
How long does it take a vanilla orchid to flower?
about four years
It will take quite a while for your vanilla orchid to mature and begin producing flowers—usually about four years. Once the stem has reached a diameter of around half an inch, it should be good to go. As it grows longer, you’ll want to loop the stem around the trellis.
Can I grow vanilla beans indoors?
Growing Conditions: Those in USDA zones 10-11 can grow vanilla beans outdoors. If you don’t live in one of those zones, grow vanilla beans indoors or in a greenhouse as they have zero tolerance for frost. Give your vanilla bean partial sun and use an orchid-potting mix or sphagnum moss alongside the soil.
