![]() ![]() Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean began selling cheap synthetic vanillas hoping to cash in on Mexico’s vibrant history as the finest vanilla beans in the world. Soon it was discovered that synthetic vanillin could be made from paper pulp and coal tar. In the 1880s the first synthetic vanillas came from Germany, providing a cheaper alternative to natural vanilla. Mexico’s share of the world’s vanilla supply took a nosedive, but its reputation remained intact for decades. Then the petroleum companies on the Gulf stripped the natural forests, making vanilla growing very difficult and, over time, it made the area increasingly hotter and less humid. The Mexican industry had to shut down for several years due to the war, and starting up production once the war ended, took time. In the early 20th century, the Mexican Revolution raged throughout the country, and for a while, was especially fierce on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. ![]() In the late 1800s, the French invested heavily in vanilla plantations in Reunion, the Comoro Islands, and later, Madagascar, and by the early 20th century these regions gained control of the world vanilla market. Mexico had the monopoly on vanilla production until the latter part of the 19th century and the vanilla-growing region on the Gulf of Mexico was very prosperous. Why produce imitation and not pure vanilla? Several reasons. In fact, more than 99% of all of the so-called vanilla extract bought in retail venues in Latin America is imitation vanilla. It is imitation vanilla with unknown ingredients!īecause vanilla originally came from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, and because, at one time Mexico produced the world’s finest pure vanilla, it would seem plausible that it would still be true. In fact, the cheap, dark (or clear) product in the big bottle is not vanilla at all. Well, sorry folks, it isn’t pure vanilla extract. It has such a unique flavor and it’s stronger than any vanilla they’ve ever used. People rave to me about the fabulous deal they got on a giant bottle of vanilla extract in Mexico, Haiti, Guadeloupe, etc. Then it stabilizes, and will remain flavorful for a long time if stored in a cool, dark cupboard.Let’s look at the so-called vanilla from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean for the answerĪ common misconception exists about vanilla from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Because of that, vanilla will age for two years or longer. Extracts are similar to liquor, given they are at least 70 proof. Vanilla extracts have no expiration date thanks to the high alcohol content. Why does my vanilla extract taste like alcohol? The only significant difference is that in Mexico, the plant is pollinated by a bee and in Madagascar, humans need to pollinate the flower, leading to its higher price. Which is better Mexican or Madagascar vanilla?Īlso called bourbon vanilla, Madagascan vanilla comes from the same plant and has the same basic flavor notes as Mexican vanilla. That’s a hard lesson to learn while standing in line only to be told you can’t bring the bottle of vanilla extract you bought for your mother’s holiday baking. ![]() You can’t take everything with you from Mexico to the United States. See also What Is The Main Use Of Vanilla? Can you bring vanilla back from Mexico? While it is possible that it is pure vanilla, the chances are more than 99% that it is not pure. Unfortunately, some specialty food stores carry Mexican vanilla made in Mexico. Mexican vanilla that is produced by a reputable American company is pure vanilla extract made from Mexican beans. That’s why in Mexico, even though the country grows very fine beans, artificial vanillas dominate the market. This is the paradox of vanilla’s hand-crafted production. ![]() Why is vanilla extract cheap in Mexico?Īrtificial vanilla extract is affordable, and is the vanilla extract predominantly sold in countries that produce vanilla beans. Kitchen cupboards are usually a great place to keep your vanilla extract, as long as you do not store it over a stove or near a heat source. Vanilla extract is best stored at a cool to moderate room temperature (60-80☏) and in a dark environment. See also Is Baking Vanilla The Same As Vanilla Extract? Do you need to refrigerate vanilla extract? ![]()
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