Vanilla is one of the oldest and the widely used spice in the world, not to mention the second most expensive. It is popular for its use in culinary purposes. Other than just being an ingredient to any vanilla recipes, vanilla is also known for its healthful benefits as in aromatherapy, anti-depressant and anti-cancer, and a lot more. It is also a popular choice for fragrance in perfumes and body lotions. Most of us, who are not inclined in the culinary scene, are only familiar with the synthetic vanilla that is sold in the market. So what is the true form of vanilla?

Originally, vanilla is an orchid flower of the Vanilla Planifolia species. There are other vanilla flower species like Vanilla pompona and Vanilla tahitiensis that are also utilized in the production of vanilla, however the former is species is most favored because of its high concentration of vanillin, the one responsible for the rich aromatic flavor and scent of vanilla. The vanilla flower after some time produces a pod which contains countless minute vanilla beans. From here, different forms of vanilla are then made.

The first and original form of vanilla is the Vanilla bean or Vanilla Pods. It is the actual fruit of the vanilla flower. It is contained in a pod which is approximately 8-12 inches long, depending on the variety if vanilla bean (Bourbon vanilla is the longest). The vanilla bean or pod is dark and slender. The pods can be used even without its seeds. It can either e cooked or just suffused in a hot liquid and offers a rich flavor to any vanilla recipes there are.

The second form of vanilla is Vanilla Seed. The minute seeds of the vanilla contain most of the vanillin. They are also dark, almost close to black in color. The seeds of the vanilla pods are mostly used I recipes like Crem Brule and Custard Cakes.

Vanilla can also be in the form of Extracts. Vanilla extracts are actually made from the vanilla seeds that were marinated in water and alcohol for a long period of time. Vanilla extracts are useful in vanilla recipes that require a strong vanilla essence. What’s good about the extracts is that it is able to produce a rich flavor and essence by just a small amount of it. When in a bottle container, the vanilla extracts should come with a vanilla bean or pod in it, for the purpose of continued maturation process while it is stored just like in any scotch or whiskey. Since it is a product of maceration of vanilla seeds in an ethyl alcohol, the vanilla extract have a minimum alcohol proof of at least 40%.

Vanilla can also come in the form of a Paste. A Vanilla paste is formed by grounding the seed and adding sugar syrup into it. The vanilla paste is ideal in making ice cream. There is also the Vanilla Powder. The vanilla powder is an all-natural grounded vanilla seeds, without added sugars. The powder is ideal in most pastries as it gives a rich rounded aromatic taste.

Another form of vanilla is the Vanilla Sugar. This is made by adding a vanilla bean into a sugar and stored in several weeks. The vanilla sugar is ideal for decoration and toppings.

If ever you are entertaining the thought of cooking or making any vanilla recipes see to it that when you buy vanilla beans or vanilla, you get the right form that’s ideal for your cooking.