Vanilla Vegan Diet: Is It Truly Vegan-Friendly?

Vanilla extract is a staple in baking, adding a subtle yet rich flavour to treats and enhancing the flavour of other ingredients in more complex recipes. But is vanilla vegan? Vanilla extract is almost always vegan, but it's a good idea to check the bottle before buying. Natural vanilla extract is made by breaking down vanilla pods and filtering them through a mixture of ethanol and water. Artificial vanilla extract, which is identifiable by its low price, is made from guaiacol, a wood pulp industry by-product. Neither artificial extract nor extract made with real vanilla beans contains animal products. This means they're both safe for vegans to consume.

Vanilla extract is vegan-friendly

Natural vanilla extract gets its distinct flavor from vanillin, a chemical present in vanilla beans. Artificial vanilla extract gets its distinct flavor from Guaiacol vanillin, which is adulterated with acetovanillone. This gives it a flavor that is indistinguishable from the original vanillin.

To be deemed a pure vanilla extract, the vanilla extract must contain at least 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) flavoring law. They also require a minimum alcohol-to-water ratio of 35% to 65%.

Vanilla extract is used in plenty of vegan recipes. It is a basic pantry ingredient that everyone should have at home, as its flavoring properties truly make a difference when cooking sweet recipes. You can make your own vanilla extract at home using vanilla beans and vodka.

There are also vegan vanilla extract alternatives available in the market, such as the Simply Organic Vanilla Flavoring, which is certified organic and vegan. It is made from real vanilla beans grown exclusively in Madagascar and does not contain any added sugar, GMOs, or alcohol.

Vanilla essence is vegan-friendly

However, it's always a good idea to check the bottle before buying, as some vanilla extracts are made from castoreum, a substance derived from the anal glands of beavers. This method of extraction is rare nowadays due to its high cost and difficulty, but it is still done. To be on the safe side, look for vanilla extracts labelled as "pure" or "organic", which are made from vanilla beans and do not contain animal products.

If you're making your own vanilla extract at home, all you need is some vanilla beans and vodka. Split the vanilla beans in half lengthwise, put them in a glass jar, and cover them with vodka. Store the jar in a dark, cool place for at least a month, and you'll have your very own vegan-friendly vanilla extract!

Natural vanilla flavour is similar to vanilla extract

Natural vanilla flavour and vanilla extract are both directly derived from the vanilla fruit. However, they are not offered to consumers in their pure form but are mixed with another substance. Natural vanilla flavouring is prepared from vanilla exclusively or at least 95% vanilla, with the remaining 5% coming from other natural molecules. Vanilla extract, on the other hand, is obtained by a process called "extraction": vanilla beans are immersed in an alcohol and water-based solvent and infused. The proportions are subject to strict regulations: in the United States, for example, vanilla extract must contain at least 35% alcohol and 100 grams of vanilla beans per litre. Depending on the manufacturer and their recipe, the extract is more or less concentrated in taste.

Natural vanilla flavour is obtained from vanilla extract. The vanilla extract concentrate is the basis of the natural vanilla flavour. It is called the flavouring preparation and constitutes 95% of the final natural vanilla flavour. The remaining 5% must also come from natural sources. The formulation of this 5% is very regulated: flavourists are not allowed to reproduce the taste of 95% with this 5%. The weakest part of the flavour is there to give fresher, spicy, biscuity, buttery or milky notes to the original vanilla.

In summary, natural vanilla flavour and vanilla extract are very similar, with the main difference being that vanilla extract is the pure form, whereas natural vanilla flavour is a derivative of the extract, with the addition of other natural compounds.

Vanilla is one of the world's most prized spices

The process of cultivating vanilla is a lengthy and meticulous one. From planting to tasting, it takes at least a year. The orchids flower only once a year, and the window for hand-pollination is very narrow, as the flowers bloom for just 24 hours. This hand-pollination technique was pioneered by a slave from Reunion, Edmond Albius, in the 1800s and is still predominantly used today. The process involves using a stick and a flick of a finger to pollinate the flowers, which then bear the coveted vanilla pods.

After pollination, farmers must wait about nine months for the pods to mature. The pods then undergo several treatments, including scalding, steaming, drying, and maturing. The maturing stage is the longest, lasting about 8 to 12 months, during which the vanilla develops its distinctive aroma. The entire process, from growth to export, takes a solid year, making vanilla an extremely labour-intensive crop.

The high price of vanilla can also be attributed to the limited regions where it is grown. Most of the world's vanilla supply (about 80%) is cultivated in Madagascar. In recent years, the island has been hit by multiple storms, wreaking havoc on the vanilla plants and driving up prices. Other factors influencing the price include the size of the pod, the variety of vanilla, and global supply and demand.

Vanilla has become an integral ingredient in baking and flavouring, with its delicate yet rich flavour enhancing the taste of various treats, from sweets and drinks to cakes and ice cream. Its unique flavour and aroma have made it a highly sought-after spice, contributing to its status as one of the world's most prized culinary treasures.

Vanilla beans can be used to make vanilla extract at home

Vanilla is an essential ingredient in baking and can be used in drinks like soy milk or matcha lattes. Vanilla extract is easy to make at home and only requires two ingredients: vanilla beans and alcohol.

To make vanilla extract, you will need to cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise and place them in a glass bottle or jar. Cover the beans with alcohol, ensuring they are completely submerged. Screw the lid on tightly and store the jar in a cool, dark place. The vanilla extract will need to infuse for at least two months, but the longer it sits, the stronger the flavour will be. You can use vodka, rum, bourbon, or brandy to make vanilla extract, but vodka is recommended as it has a more neutral flavour.

When making vanilla extract at home, it is important to use good quality vanilla beans. There are different varieties of vanilla beans available, such as Madagascar, Tahitian, and Mexican vanilla beans. Madagascar vanilla beans have a robust flavour and are commonly used, while Mexican vanilla beans have a distinct, woody flavour. Grade B vanilla beans are less expensive and are suitable for making extract.

Homemade vanilla extract is a natural, inexpensive, and healthy alternative to store-bought vanilla extract, which often contains additives and preservatives. It is also a great way to ensure you always have vanilla extract on hand, as you can simply add more vodka and vanilla beans to the jar as needed.

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