Enjoy Rich, Bold Gourmet Mexican Vanilla Beans From the Birthplace of Vanilla
Buy vanilla from Mexico, the country of origin for all vanilla beans. The
Totonacs of Veracruz are known as one of the first people to harvest and use
vanilla beans. Vanilla was a sacred herb with an honored place in ritual
offerings. It was also used as a perfume and for medicinal purposes, but it was
not commonly used as a flavoring.
The Aztec Empire conquered the Totonacs in the 1400s. The use of chocolate in
beverages began with the Aztecs, and they were the first people to create a
delicious drink from vanilla beans as well. Xocohotl was a rich beverage
created with a combination of chocolate and vanilla.
How Vanilla Became A Favorite Spice Worldwide
Mexico remained the only source of vanilla until the late 1800s when various
explorers began exporting the plants to other countries. The first attempts to
uproot and transfer vanilla plants didn't end well. Botanists were puzzled
until they realized that the milipona bees, found only in Mexico, were the main
pollinators for vanilla flowers. Vanilla beans were finally grown in other
locations when one person realized that a bamboo shoot could be used to
pollinate flowers by hand.
Cultivation and Harvesting
Although vanilla beans have evolved since they were first discovered and
exported, beans from Mexico are still quite close to the flavors of . The
quality of a vanilla bean depends on the skills and methods used to cultivate,
harvest, and cure the beans and pods. Vanilla is actually a type of orchid, and
the plant is known as one of the most labor-intensive commercial crops.
Vanilla plants are cultivated and harvested by hand. Producers in Mexico wait
nine months after pollination before harvesting vanilla beans. They remove the
green to yellow pods from the plants once ripe ,long after the flowers have
died. Traditionally Mexican vanilla bean pods were laid out in the hot days sun
to dry for an average of 20 days, which also allows the pods to begin
fermenting.
Modern producers now rarely use the traditional approach to curing and more
commonly rely on water killing of vanilla beans to jump start the fermentation
process of sweating, drying and conditioning.
Properties of Our Gourmet Mexican Vanilla Beans
Bean Length: 5 to 7 inches
Color: Dark Brown to black
Moisture Content: 25-30%
Flavor: Bold, Sweet, Spicy,
Gourmet/Grade A/Prime
Mexican Vanilla Bean Flavor Profile
Although Mexico and Madagascar both grow Planifolia vanilla beans, there are
flavor differences. Mexican vanilla beans have a complex flavor profile that
tends to be mellower and smoother than . Vanilla beans grown in Mexico range
from a classic spectrum of sweet, creamy, smooth caramel flavors to rich, deep
woody notes similar to nutmeg or clove.
The beans contain almost 200 volatile compounds. Vanillin is the strongest and
most easily recognized compound, but the other 130 compounds and approximately
50 aromatic substances are responsible for the tantalizing mix of flavors the
Mexican vanilla bean is known for.
A toasted, spice heavy aroma with hints of rum and dried fruit adds nuance,
and the bean is known for adding notes of , cocoa, raisin, and tamarind to
foods and beverages. Both the beans and seeds infuse enduring flavor into
extracts.
Suggested use for Foods and Beverages
or simply use the fresh vanilla bean pods in your favorite recipes. The
robust flavor of Mexican vanilla beans excels in rich dessert recipes, such as
cheesecakes, sweet breads, chocolate confections, custards, ice creams and
crème brulee.
Mexican vanilla beans also pair well with citrus fruits, spicy salsas, and
barbecue sauces. These beans enhance ginger snaps and other spiced cookie
varieties. Mixed drinks, such as spiced cocktails and margaritas, are also
enhanced by rich vanilla flavor.
How To Prepare Vanilla Beans
The beans and pods contain flavor, so try to use every part to get the best
value from your purchase. Use the tip of a sharp knife to open a thin slit in
the center of the bean pod. Gently open the bod to expose seeds and scrape from
the middle on on one side. Carefully scrape the sticky seeds off the knife
blade into a clean container.
Repeat the process starting from the center on the other side of the pod. The
beans should be moist and pliable with a strong aroma. Beams used for extracts
and infusions can be reused if they still retain their aroma.
How to store vanilla beans
Wrap beans in wax paper or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight
container. Squeeze air out of the container so beans don't dry out. Store
vanilla beans in a cool, dark place. Air the beans regular by removing them
from the container every 4 to 6 weeks and let air circulate for 10 to 15
minutes.
Properly stored vanilla beans may last up to two years, although it's best to
use beans within 1-3 months
Premium quality vanilla beans from the birthplace of vanilla