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vanilla extract

vanilla

Herbs & SpicesYear-round availability; primarily cultivated and harvested in Madagascar (60% of global supply), followed by Mexico and Tahiti. Peak availability of fresh/cured pods occurs in late autumn and winter in major producing regions.

Vanilla contains minimal macronutrients but provides vanillin and antioxidants; it is prized primarily for flavoring rather than nutritional contribution. Vanilla has been traditionally used in small quantities for digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

About

Vanilla is the aromatic fruit (pod) of Vanilla planifolia, an orchid species native to Mexico and now cultivated throughout tropical regions, particularly in Madagascar, Tahiti, and Mexico. The pod contains thousands of tiny seeds suspended in a fragrant gel. True vanilla pods are approximately 6-9 inches long, dark brown when cured, and possess a distinctive sweet, floral aroma with subtle woody and fruity undertones. The flavor is complex and slightly warm, arising primarily from vanillin, the primary flavor compound, along with over 250 other volatile compounds. Madagascar vanilla (Bourbon vanilla) and Tahitian vanilla are the two primary cultivar types, each with distinct aromatic profiles; Madagascar vanilla exhibits richer, more classic sweetness, while Tahitian vanilla offers more floral and fruity notes.

The curing process—which takes several months—is labor-intensive and critical to flavor development. Pods are harvested green, then blanched, sweated in closed boxes, and dried in the sun repeatedly until they become dark and brittle, developing their characteristic flavor compounds through enzymatic and Maillard reactions.

Culinary Uses

Vanilla serves as a foundational flavoring in both sweet and savory applications across global cuisines. In Western pastry and dessert work, vanilla is essential in cakes, cookies, ice cream, custards, and confections. The pods are typically split to extract the tiny seeds for visual appeal and flavor intensity, or the pod itself is steeped in warm liquids to infuse flavor. Vanilla also appears in savory dishes across French, Asian, and modern fusion cuisines—used in sauces, marinades, and spice blends to enhance complexity. The infused flavor works particularly well with cream, chocolate, fruit, and warm spices; vanilla enhances rather than dominates other flavors. Vanilla extract, the liquid extraction of the pods in alcohol, is the most common commercial form for home and professional cooking.

Used In

Recipes Using vanilla (677)

RCI-SN.004.0112.001

Oil-free granola

Oil-free granola from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.005.0049.001

Oil slick in a glass (Irish Coffee Mug)

Oil slick in a glass (Irish Coffee Mug) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0228.001

Old-fashioned Pecan Pie

Old-fashioned Pecan Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0467.001

Old Fashion Tea Cakes

Old Fashion Tea Cakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0381.001

One-Step Pound cake

One-Step Pound cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0382.001

One-Step Pound Cake

This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com

RCI-BV.002.0071.001

Orange Cream Smoothie

Orange Cream Smoothie from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Cook Time: About 5 minutes Serves: 2

RCI-BV.007.0100.001

Orange Juice Smoothies

Orange Juice Smoothies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0101.001

Orange Julius

Source: August 1979 issue of Weight Watchers Magazine

RCI-DS.001.0388.001

Orange or Grape Blocks

Orange or Grape Blocks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0388.001

Orange Rum Cake

Orange Rum Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0142.001

Oven Pancakes

Oven Pancakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0143.001

Oven pancakes (vegan)

Oven pancakes (vegan) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0091.001

Pahlava

Pahlava from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0393.001

Papaw Upside-down Cake

Papaw Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0401.001

Parisian Chocolate Mousse

Jersey Fresh Recipes, public domain government resource, recipe contributed by Marilyn Godwin—original source of recipe : 8

RCI-DS.001.0402.001

Parisian Chocolate Mousse II

Jersey Fresh Recipes, public domain government resource, recipe contributed by Linda Robinson—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.005.0473.001

Passover Brownies

These are kosher for Passover.

RCI-BR.004.0394.001

Passover Carrot Almond Cake

Yield: 12 servings

RCI-BR.004.0396.001

Passover Chocolate Mandrin Torte

Passover Chocolate Mandrin Torte from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0398.001

Passover Forgotten Torte with Raspberry Sauce

You can make both the billowy white torte and its sauce ahead of time. That's convenient for serving during the seder.

RCI-BR.004.0403.001

Pastel de Tres Leches

Pastel de Tres Leches from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0314.001

Peach Bread

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-DS.004.0206.001

Peaches Amaretto

Peaches Amaretto from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0094.001

Peachy Cream Cheese Danish

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cartwright Estate in Richardson, Texas in 2002.

RCI-BR.005.0481.001

Peanut Butter Cookie Pops

Peanut Butter Cookie Pops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0482.001

Peanut Butter Cookies

are one of the most popular kinds of cookies.

RCI-BR.005.0484.001

Peanut Butter Cookies III

Peanut Butter Cookies III from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0485.001

Peanut Butter-Fudge Brownies

Cook Time: 10 minutes work + 15–20 minutes of baking + 30 minutes to cool Serves: 16

RCI-SC.007.0234.001

PEANUT BUTTER GLAZE

PEANUT BUTTER GLAZE from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0486.001

Peanut Butter 'n' Carrot Cookies

Peanut Butter 'n' Carrot Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0248.002

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina

RCI-BR.005.0487.001

Peanut Butter Temptations

Peanut Butter Temptations from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0488.001

Peanut butter whirls

Peanut butter whirls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0495.001

Pecan Crunchies

Recipe by: Aerienne Uploaded by Drimble Wedge

RCI-BR.006.0249.001

Pecan Flan

This is a really sweet pecan pie alternative. Slightly more gooey, but just as delicious, it doesn't take forever to make but looks delicious on the table. I've gotten killer compliments every time I make this.

RCI-BR.005.0498.001

Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Pecan Oatmeal Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0163.001

Pecan Peach Crêpes

Pecan Peach Crêpes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0250.001

Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0410.001

Pennsylvania Dutch Amish Dessert

Pennsylvania Dutch Amish Dessert

RCI-BR.004.0411.001

Pennsylvania Dutch Breakfast Cake

A fine recipe for a Sunday breakfast or brunch. Serve with fresh fruit.

RCI-DS.003.0253.001

Penuche I

Brown sugar fudge. Recipe is easily doubled and can be frozen.

RCI-DS.001.0417.001

Peruvian Rice Pudding

Peruvian Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0255.001

Pineapple Fudge

Pineapple Fudge

RCI-BV.007.0118.001

Pineapple fudge chill

Pineapple fudge chill from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0413.001

Pineapple Pound Cake

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.004.0415.001

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a sweet treat with baked pineapples.

RCI-BR.001.0199.001

Placek Swiateczny

Christmas bread cake Placek Swiateczny Makes 1 loaf

RCI-BR.005.0505.001

Plain Cookies

Plain Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0508.002

Polvorones

are a type of Latin-American and Spanish shortbread.