Vanilla bean has been used for centuries in cooking; sweet, rich and unmistakable. Like cocoa, this highly prized bean remains a pantry staple for baked treats. Not just a pretty flavour, vanilla is considered therapeutic too. Historically, it was revered as an aphrodisiac – understandable, given its alluring taste & perfume.
History & cultivation
The word vanilla, derived from the Spanish word vaina (meaning sheath or pod), simply translates as ‘little pod’. It grows on a vine and is the fruit of a flower called the Vanilla planifolia. Native to Mexico, today there are three other regions that produce vanilla beans. Madagascar is the largest, and beans from this region are known as Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, referring to the Bourbon islands on which they are grown. The second largest producer is Indonesia. The remaining 10 percent of vanilla comes from Mexico and Tahiti.
Vanilla originated in Mexico with the Totonaco Indians. They were conquered by the Aztecs in the 15th Century who, in turn, were conquered by Hernando Cortez. The Aztecs mixed vanilla with cacao to make their renowned drinking chocolate. Along with other plunder, Cortez took cacao beans and vanilla pods back to Spain…and the rest is history! The Melipone bee, historically responsible for the pollination of the vanilla bean orchid, is found only in Mexico. Cortez took the beans back to Spain but forgot to take the bees!
In 1819, French entrepreneurs tried their hand at cultivating the bean on their own islands. They failed until coming up with a method of hand pollinating the flowers. Only a bee found in certain regions of Mexico would pollinate the Vanilla flower. With the French discovery, vanilla began to flourish on tropical islands like Mauritius, Madagascar, Reunion Island and the Comoros Islands.
Like many spices in history, vanilla was once very expensive. As supply increased, prices came down, but unstable weather conditions such as typhoons drive prices up to this day.
Vanilla is sold as a whole bean/pod, extract (in alcoholic or occasionally glycerol solution; both pure and imitation forms of vanilla contain at least 35% alcohol and powder), powder (ground pods, kept pure or blended with sugar, starch, or other ingredients) or as vanilla sugar, a pre-packaged mix of sugar and vanilla extract.
It is graded based on the length, appearance (colour, sheen, presence of any splits, presence of blemishes), and moisture content of the fruit, hence sold as a Grade A (the best) or Grade B.
Buyers tips
Purchase organically grown vanilla, widely available is speciality food stores and health food stores. Choose products flavoured with natural vanilla rather than synthetic vanillin. Most synthetic vanillin is a by-product of the pulp used in papermaking, in which the lignin is broken down using sulphites. Avoid!
Medicinal Uses
The health benefits of Vanilla essential oil are due to its antioxidant, aphrodisiac (the oil stimulates the secretion of certain hormones like testosterone and oestrogen which help bring about normal sexual behaviour and promotes arousal), antidepressant (Vanillin Hydroxybenzaldehyde, a component of vanilla essential oil, is an effective antidepressant and mood lifter), and relaxing properties (the essential oil of vanilla soothes the body in innumerable ways. It soothes all types of inflammation and hyperactivity in the systems of the body, including the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous and excretory systems. It reduces inflammation stemming from fever, as well as convulsions, anxiety, stress, and hypersensitivity to allergens).
Global therapeutics
Around the world, the whole vanilla bean has been used extensively as medicine.
Asian medicine: In Palau, vanilla has been used to treat dysmenorrhea (painful periods), fever, hysteria and to prevent dental caries.
Ayurveda: Vanilla extracts have reportedly been used to help alleviate toothache. Secondary sources suggest dipping a cotton ball in the extract and applying it to the affected tooth.
Central and Southern American medicine: In Venezuela, vanilla pods have been used as an antispasmodic and to treat fevers. In the Yucatan, vanilla extract has reportedly been used for its potential stimulant and aphrodisiac effects. In Argentina, it has been used for its potential antispasmodic, aphrodisiac and emmenagogue properties.
European medicine: It has been suggested that vanilla may help treat dyspepsia and ulcers and may have aphrodisiac and sedative effects.
Modern (Western) herbal medicine: Used in aromatherapy for its purported relaxant effects.
Harness that flavour! Vanilla for Cooking
Vanilla gives a smooth, luscious quality to foods. It adds that je ne sais quoi to smoothies and dessert recipes, poached fruit and baked goods; full, round and heavenly smooth – lending a naturally sweet, delicate and distinctive flavour.
Vanilla Chocolate mousse
This is chocolatey, vanilla decadence! The only sugar here is found in the chocolate. No other sweeteners are added, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.
Serves 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
350 g good-quality dark chocolate (free of processed additives), broken into pieces
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Powder
4 medium eggs, separated
200 ml pouring cream, whipped
Method
Add a little boiling water to a saucepan and heat until simmering. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, then set the bowl over the simmering water, but do not allow the base of the bowl to touch the water. Stir until the chocolate has melted, then stir in the vanilla and set aside to cool slightly.
In a bowl beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Place the egg yolks in another bowl and gently whisk, then add the melted chocolate. Gently fold in the egg whites and whipped cream. Pour into small cups and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Variation: To make a quick chocolate ice-cream, scoop the mousse into a container with a lid and freeze. You could also do this in an ice-cream maker, which will give a smoother result.
Final word
Fake vanilla flavouring is ubiquitous, but upon experiencing the real, whole, organic bean, its extraordinary therapy becomes apparent. Taste therapy – there’s nothing like the rich, heady and nostalgic flavour of Vanilla Bean. And wellbeing – the most delicious traditional medicine.
Reference: https://www.naturalstandard.com/news/news201104039.asp and https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/vanilla-essential-oil.html
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