Vanilla is a spice derived from the dark brown pod of certain orchids from he genus Vanilla..[1] The main source of vanilla is from the Mexican flat-leafed vanilla (V. planifolia). The orchid is native to South America.
Description[edit | edit source]
When the vanilla pod is first picked, it is a yellow-green colour. The pod turns the well known brown colour only after it has been cured and dried.
Growing vanilla[edit | edit source]
To be added.
(Hand pollination or appropriate bee pollination should be covered.)
Uses for vanilla[edit | edit source]
Vanilla has numerous culinary uses, both sweet and savoury. It is well known in vanilla ice cream, vanilla cake, vanilla custard, etc. Vanilla is often used as a base flavouring for many sweets before other flavourings are added.
Vanilla pods can be reused a few times before they no longer release the flavour; just be sure to dry them properly before storing again.
