Soooo, we decided to take a look at where does vanilla flavoring come from. Are you aware that vanilla is made from a flower or seeds that belongs to a particular plant called The Olive Moss Plant? According to the American Spice Trade Association, the OG vanilla is grown in Panama, Jamaica, and parts of Uganda. But there’s another type that’s totally unique to Africa.
Baron’s Lilac Vanilla
Baron’s Lilac Vanilla is mostly grown in Kenya. This particular type of vanilla is so rare that it’s not even a flavor. Instead, Baron’s produces a fragrance they refer to as the “air scent” that is used in high-end perfumes and fragrances. Each bottle of vanilla also features a bi-color label, just like vanilla extract, with the color green and the word “Vanilla” (as seen above).
Since Baron’s only produces a fragrance (not a flavor), it’s not really clear how it is that this unique (and basically unknown) variety of vanilla, The Baron’s Lilac Vanilla, could be an actual type of vanilla. However, from a top secret recipe, Baron’s Lilac Vanilla may very well be the same type of vanilla that comes from Lady Nyrtella, a real-life plant that exists in Madagascar.
Lady Nyrtella
Lady Nyrtella can be found in Madagascan rainforests and is said to smell like heaven. However, it does not grow well in hot and humid conditions, so most vanilla in the world is grown in hotter and drier climates.
Here’s what Baron’s Vanilla looks like (via Royal Vanilla). Do you think it’s the same type of vanilla as Lady Nyrtella?
Vanilla has been used for thousands of years and has been a staple in food, beverages, and perfumes for hundreds of years. One famous explorer even brought back vanilla beans from the Spice Islands of Madagascar in the early 1900s. It wasn’t until the 1940s that farmers began cultivating vanilla from the Lady Nyrtella and other local plant species.
Since Baron’s Lilac Vanilla isn’t sold in stores, you can still order it directly from Baron’s website. If you’re a true vanilla-head, you’ll probably be thrilled by the experience.
Personally, I find that the most exciting part of baking is the smell of it baking in the oven and in the air. After years of baking cupcakes and cookies, my favorite scent comes from a bag of vanilla beans. The smell of vanilla is so powerful that I can smell it on the wind, for example. Even though vanilla doesn’t have a flavor, it still brings me joy when I smell it, especially when I’m eating a chocolate dessert.
Now that you know where vanilla is really from, I think you’ll be able to try making delicious dishes. Good luck!
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
