Vanilla
By: Ashley Cokinis, Culinary II - Block 2
Origin
They originally came from Mesoamerica (Modern Day Mexico and Guatemala)
Botanical Information - What part of the plant do we use?
Vanilla comes from orchids of the genus Vanilla. The vanilla beans.
Common Culinary Uses
Sample Recipes: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/vanilla-bean-crme-brle
Sweet or Savory? Sweet
Fresh or dried? Beans are dry from grocery stores sometimes, but can be fresh
Health Benefits
Contains antioxidants such as vanillic acid and vanillin. May have anti-inflammatory abilities. It might also lower cholesterol.
Interesting Facts
-It is the only fruit bearing member of the orchid family.
-The flower that produces it only lasts one day.
-After saffron, vanilla is the most expensive spice in the world.
-In Europe, vanilla was used in making certain medicines such as nerve stimulants.
-Nearly 30% of Americans choose vanilla as their favorite ice cream flavor.