Vanilla is all around us. It’s in our ice cream, cakes, and even our morning coffee. Yet despite its widespread presence, it often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by more striking ingredients. But without vanilla, many beloved dishes would lose the warmth and complexity that make them truly special. More than just a sweet flavouring, vanilla boasts a rich history, culinary versatility, and even some impressive health benefits.
Vanilla’s journey from sacred plant to global kitchen staple has spanned centuries, and its uses go far beyond desserts. Understanding its cultural roots, different varieties, and the role it plays in savoury cooking opens the door to a world of flavour possibilities.
Vanilla’s roots stretch back to Mesoamerica, where the Totonac people of modern-day Mexico first cultivated the vanilla orchid. They revered vanilla, weaving it into their cultural and spiritual practices. According to Totonac legend, the vanilla orchid emerged from the blood of a princess who sacrificed herself for love, endowing the plant with divine status.
When the Aztecs conquered the Totonacs, they adopted vanilla into their own traditions, most famously using it to enhance their chocolate drink, xocoatl. The Aztecs referred to vanilla as “tlilxochitl,” meaning “black flower,” reflecting its deep cultural importance. It was not just a flavour enhancer but a vital part of rituals and royal ceremonies.
Vanilla’s introduction to Europe came through Spanish explorers in the 16th century. After encountering vanilla in the Aztec court, Hernán Cortés brought it back to Europe, where it quickly captivated the elite. Initially used in perfumes and medicines, chefs soon realised the culinary potential of this exotic spice. By the 19th century, vanilla was being cultivated in tropical regions like Madagascar and Tahiti, thanks to innovations in hand-pollination. From then on, vanilla became a beloved flavour across the globe.
Not all vanilla is the same. Each variety brings its own unique characteristics to the table, influencing the flavour profile of your dishes. Here are some of the most popular types:
Bourbon vanilla, grown mainly in Madagascar, is the most common variety. Known for its rich, creamy flavour and sweet aroma, it’s perfect for baked goods like cakes and biscuits. If you’ve ever had vanilla ice cream, it’s likely Bourbon vanilla was the key ingredient.
Tahitian vanilla, native to French Polynesia, offers a more floral and fruity flavour compared to Bourbon. The beans are plumper, and their delicate notes make them ideal for light, fresh dishes like fruit salads or gourmet sauces.
As the original vanilla variety, Mexican vanilla is celebrated for its complex, slightly spicy flavour. It pairs beautifully with chocolate and spices, adding depth to traditional desserts or savoury dishes.
Each variety of vanilla offers something special, allowing you to tailor your choice to suit your dish.
Vanilla comes in several forms, each offering different intensities and applications in the kitchen. The journey from pod to extract is a meticulous process that begins with harvesting the beans and continues through curing and drying to develop their signature flavour.
This is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol and water, drawing out the complex flavours of the bean. It’s a go-to for baking, providing a rich and consistent flavour in cakes, custards, and cookies.
Vanilla bean paste is a thicker option, containing real vanilla seeds. This paste works wonderfully in dishes where the visual appeal of the vanilla seeds is desired, like ice cream or crème brûlée.
Vanilla essence, often a synthetic version of the flavour, mimics vanilla but lacks the depth of real vanilla extract. While it’s cheaper, the flavour is less robust and nuanced. It’s always worth opting for pure vanilla extract or paste when you want the best flavour.
By understanding the different forms of vanilla, you can choose the right one for your recipes and appreciate the effort that goes into creating this versatile ingredient.
Vanilla’s subtle, warm flavour naturally lends itself to sweet dishes, but its potential extends far beyond the dessert trolley. With a rich, aromatic profile, vanilla can elevate a range of savoury dishes too.
In the world of baking, vanilla is essential. From sponge cakes to cookies, it provides the depth and warmth that enhance other flavours without overwhelming them. It’s also the key ingredient in classic desserts like vanilla ice cream, custards, and puddings. Even a simple dash of vanilla extract can transform a cup of coffee or hot chocolate into a luxurious experience.
Vanilla may seem like an odd pairing for savoury dishes, but chefs have been using it in unexpected ways for years. The renowned British chef Ian McAndrew famously paired vanilla with lobster, creating a unique balance of sweetness and richness. His vanilla butter sauce for lobster set a new standard for blending sweet and savoury in gourmet cooking.
Beyond lobster, vanilla can enhance many other savoury dishes. Add a small amount to a cream sauce for seafood like scallops, where the delicate sweetness of vanilla balances the richness of the cream. Similarly, vanilla works beautifully in marinades for chicken or pork, creating a nuanced, aromatic flavour that brings out the best in the meat.
Vegetables can also benefit from a touch of vanilla. Roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips, glazed with vanilla-infused butter, take on a subtle sweetness that transforms a simple side dish into something extraordinary.
Vanilla offers more than just flavour—it comes with health benefits too. The active compound in vanilla, vanillin, has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radicals. Studies suggest that vanillin may also have anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
Beyond its physical benefits, the aroma of vanilla has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Vanilla is commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming properties, but even the simple act of adding vanilla to your food can create a soothing, comforting experience.
Vanilla is one of the most labour-intensive crops in the world, requiring hand-pollination and a lengthy curing process. These factors, combined with environmental challenges such as climate change, make vanilla one of the most expensive spices. Unfortunately, the high demand and difficult farming conditions mean many small farmers struggle to make a sustainable living.
Sourcing vanilla ethically is crucial. By choosing fair trade vanilla, you support farmers who are paid fairly for their work and invest in sustainable farming practices. These practices not only protect the environment but also ensure the future of vanilla farming.
Look for certifications like Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance when purchasing vanilla. These labels guarantee that the vanilla you’re using was produced in an environmentally friendly way, and that farmers are receiving fair compensation for their labour. Supporting these initiatives helps preserve the communities that depend on vanilla farming while ensuring you’re getting high-quality, ethically sourced vanilla.
Vanilla is far more than a flavouring for cakes and cookies. Its history, versatility, and health benefits make it an ingredient worthy of more attention. Whether it’s adding depth to your favourite dessert, surprising your palate in a savoury dish, or providing antioxidants to boost your health, vanilla proves that the simplest ingredients can have the most profound impact.
So the next time you cook with vanilla, take a moment to appreciate its journey—from the hands of small farmers to your kitchen. Whether it’s in a classic vanilla ice cream or a gourmet lobster dish, this humble ingredient has earned its place as the unsung hero of flavour.
At Med.kitchen, our passion lies in crafting exceptional culinary experiences through our online platform. We specialise in sharing a wealth of knowledge via articles, recipes, courses, and online mentoring, aiming to inspire both novice and seasoned chefs alike. Our focus has shifted from private dining to being an online source of gastronomic inspiration, allowing you to explore and refine your culinary skills from the comfort of your home..
