Vanilla Essential Oil

VANILLA ESSENTIAL OIL

Vanilla is actually a fruitfrom the Vanilla Planifolia Orchid. There are 35,000 types of Orchids in the world, but only the Vanilla flower produces edible fruits. Vanilla once originated in Mexico, but they now grow in many places, including Tahiti, Madagascar, Indonesia, Uganda, and India.

Food grade vanilla essential oil can be a great alternative to real vanilla seeds. Just a few drops in chocolate, ice cream or smoothies adds a wonderful flavor and fragrance. Medicine Flower pure vanilla essence is made with a CO2 extraction technique. It has a very concentrated rich and delicious vanilla flavor. 

VOLUME 

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FLAVOR PAIRINGS

Acai, allspice, anise, almonds, amaranth, amaretto, apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, baobab, basil, bee pollen, beets, berries, blackberries, blueberries, bourbon, brandy, buckwheat, cacao, cacao butter, caraway seeds, cardamom, carob, carrots, cashews, cayenne, chaga, chai spice, cherries, chicory, chia seeds, chili, cilantro, cinnamon, cloves, coffee, coconut, coconut cream, coconut feta, coconut kefir, coconut m!lk, coconut nectar, coconut oil, curry, coconut sugar, coconut water, coconut yogurt, cranberries, currants, dates, dragon fruit, durian, fennel, figs, flax seeds, fruits, ginger, goji berries, grapefruit, hazelnuts, hemp seeds, honey, jackfruit, kiwi, kombucha, lavender, lemons, lemon balm, lemongrass, licorice, limes, lucuma, lychees, maca, macadamias, mangoes, maple syrup, m!lk, mint, mulberries, nutmeg, nuts, nut cream, nut m!lk, oats, olive oil, oranges, oregano, papaya, passion fruit, peaches, peanuts, pears, pecans, pepper, pili nuts, pineapples, pine nuts, pistachios, plums, pomegranate, port wine, psyllium husk, pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, raspberries, raisins, red whine, reishi, rhubarb, rice, rosemary, rum, saffron, sesame seeds, shilajit, spices, spinach, spirulina, star anise, strawberries, sunflower seeds, tarragon, tea, thyme, turmeric, vinegar, vodka, walnuts, wine, young coconut flesh.

SELECTING 

When sourcing vanilla essential oil, make sure it is food gradeand made with real vanilla beans, no artificial flavors or chemical additives. My favorite brand is Medicine Flower. 

HOW TO USE

Vanilla essential oil is quite pricey, but it lasts a long time since it’s very concentrated and potent – you only need a couple of drops to flavor an entire dessert.

STORING

Store vanilla essential in a dark and cool pantry. The oil will last almost indefinitely, but the flavor may fade with age. 

SUBSTITUTIONS

You could use vanilla extract, beans or powder.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Vanilla beans contain trace minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, and iron. They also contain anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and are particularly beneficial for fatigue, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and swelling. One of the major medicinal compounds in vanilla beans is called vanillin which even in small doses is known to aid digestion, decrease headaches, and provide relief for an upset stomach.