- Vanilla planifolia. Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen, 1887
- Vanilla planifolia distribution
- Vanilla planifolia flower
Family: Orchidaceae;
Genus: Vanilla;
Species and synonyms: Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla fragrans (Vanilla planifolia, Epidendrum rubrum).
GBIF:
Vanilla planifolia (lat. Vanilla planifolia) is a plant species from the family Orchidaceae of the order Asparagales. It was brought to Europe, along with many other products imported from the New World. Vanilla remains one of the most expensive spices in the world due to the complex and lengthy processing technology and cultivation difficulties (the need for artificial pollination — only half of the flowers produce fruit). The high cost of the spice has led to the synthesis of an artificial substitute — vanillin, which is unable to fully replicate the subtlety and persistence of the aroma of genuine vanilla.
The spice is obtained from the unripe fruits (pods) of several vanilla species. The best grades, with long pods of 20–25 cm, are produced by Vanilla planifolia. Other species include Vanilla pompona (short pods of lower quality) and Tahitian vanilla (Vanilla tahitensis).
In cooking, vanilla is used to flavor baked goods, desserts, beverages, and sauces. Genuine vanilla pods are split lengthwise and the tiny seeds are scraped out and added to cream, dough, or syrup. The pod itself can then be placed in powdered sugar or in a jar with sugar — after a few days, you will have vanilla sugar. In the food industry, vanilla is used in the production of ice cream, chocolate, yogurts, and liqueurs. Additionally, vanilla oil is used in perfumery and aromatherapy — its scent is believed to calm the nerves and improve mood. In folk medicine, vanilla is sometimes used as a mild anti-inflammatory and digestive stimulant.