![]() Pure vanilla extract usually costs more in Mexico because only one company makes quality extract and only in small quantities. If it's in a big bottle and you paid $20 or less, it's absolutely not vanilla extract. How much did you pay for it? This is the biggest tip-off. There are some vanilla-vanillin blends and some cheap-quality vanillas that have 25 percent alcohol, but they aren't worth buying either. What is the alcohol content? Usually the synthetics range from no alcohol to about 2 percent (which acts as a stabilizer). If it's truly amber colored, it may be natural vanilla. It may also be dark because it contains red dye that we've banned in the United States, or it may contain caramel coloring. It's often called "crystal vanilla." Dark and murky is synthetic vanillin, most likely ethyl vanillin derived from coal tar. Is it amber colored, dark and murky, or clear? Clear is pure, synthetic vanillin (artificial). How do you know it's pure vanilla? Here are a few of Patricia's tips: ![]() Synthetic vanillas are a big industry as most tourists have no idea they are being duped. Label laws in Mexico and other countries are not always enforced, so don't count on the label for an accurate account of the ingredients. Its use has been outlawed in the United States since the 1950s. Coumarin, from the tonka tree, can be toxic, especially to the liver. It worked, and by adding coumarin to synthetic vanilla, the flavor was a little more like pure vanilla. During this time, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean began selling cheap synthetic vanillas hoping to cash in on the association of Mexico and vanilla. Mexico's share of the world's vanilla supply took a nose dive in the early 20th century when the Mexican Revolution raged through the country. However, nearly all the so-called vanilla extract from these countries is synthetic! Because vanilla originally came from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and because, at one time Mexico produced the world's finest vanilla, it follows that it would still be true. ![]() The information comes from my friend, Patricia Rain, who is known as The Vanilla Queen and is an authority on all things vanilla. It really doesn't go bad unless improperly stored, but if you still have a bottle after 10 years it's time to "freshen up" and buy a new, smaller bottle!Īs for your Mexican vanilla question, it's one I get often - and I have a lengthy but interesting answer. Natalie Burford, Cleveland Airst, the shelf life of va nilla, if properly stored (in a cool place out of direct light), is five to 10 years. Is it true that the vanilla purchased in Mexico is 100 percent purer, more potent and better to cook with than the vanilla extract purchased in the U.S.? Also, what is the shelf life of vanilla? ![]() I wanted to share it, since this topic has been discussed many times.Įvery time we go to Mex ico, I come back with bottles and bottles of Mexican 100 percent pure vanilla. My local newspaper, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, had an interesting article this week about Mexican Vanilla. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |