Vanilla History

Brief History of Vanilla.

Vanilla is indigenous to, and was originally used by, the native peoples of Mexico for hundreds of years. It was often used with another product of the region, cocao, to produce a wonderful drink and herbal elixir. It was the conqueror, Cortez, that brought vanilla back to Spain and, like chocolate, was only consumed by nobility.

Vanilla beans are generally grown within 20 degrees of the equator in many countries around the world. Each vanilla growing region produces vanilla beans with distinctive characteristics and tastes. Madagascar is by far the largest producer of vanilla beans in the world and the variety of vanilla grown there (called planifolia) comes from the original variety in Mexico but is known as Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. The term Bourbon refers the to beans (pods) grown on the Bourbon Islands - Madagascar, Seychelle, Comoro, and Reunion. There is no connection with the liquor called Bourbon. Planifolia vanilla is considered to be the highest quality pure vanilla available, described as having a creamy, sweet, smooth, mellow flavor.

Singing Dog Vanilla™ is grown in Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea (often referred to as PNG) is newer to the vanilla growing world and has surpassed many regions in growing quality and taste, primarily because, unlike the other main vanilla growing countries such as Madagascar, Indonesia, Mexico, and Uganda, PNG does not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides on their vanilla. Our vanilla is grown organically (we are currently pursuing USDA Organic certification).

Vanilla is the most popular flavor in the world and has an unbelievable array of uses. Some call it an aphrodisiac, some use vanilla in aromatherapy. But for the most part vanilla is used as a mellow, yet distinct flavor by both gourmet chefs and home chefs alike.

Gourmet Vanilla Beans

Pure Vanilla Extract

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