Vanilla

Vanilla is one of most popular flavors in the world, as well it should be considering how difficult it is to cultivate. Vanilla is derived from orchids that will only flourish on good vines and harvested through meticulous production methods. It grows best in a hot humid climate with moderate rainfall evenly distributed over 10 months of the year. Optimum daytime temperatures for cultivation are 15-30 degrees *C (59-86 *F) and 15-20 *C (59-68) at night. Ideal humidity is around 80% and most vanilla processing is done within 10 to 20 degrees above or below the equator. Vanilla beans grow quickly on the vine but are not ready for harvest until maturity – approximately 10 months. And, they require shade. Nature’s Flavors understands the care needed to grow vanilla beans. We also understand the timing. Each bean ripens at its own time, requiring a daily harvest. To ensure the finest flavor from every bean, each individual pod must be hand-picked just as it begins to split on the end. These are the beans we use in our organic vanilla products. Nature’s Flavors goes to great lengths to obtain only the purest, most natural sources of vanilla for several reasons. Vanilla has a delicate flavor and aromatic bouquet that suits most cultures and age groups, and has one of the largest numbers of flavor profiles – estimated at having more than 250 flavor notes. Vanilla combines well with many food products, particularly ice cream and chocolate, and lends itself to numerous pastry and confectionery purposes. While vanilla stands on its own as a flavoring agent, our customers also use it in custard, caramel, coffee, cakes – pretty much anything requiring a complimentary flavor. If you have a special recipe using vanilla you’d like to share with us, we’d like to know about it. Send your comments, questions or recipe suggestions to us at naturesflavors.com and we’ll be sure to share them with our taste-savvy and health conscious culinary creators. In addition to baking, vanilla has an aphrodisiac effect making it ideal for perfumery. It’s naturally provocative scent is subtle and noticeable without being overpowering. Vanilla is also being researched for many other uses, including aromatherapy. Nature’s Flavors is your source for premium quality vanilla at very tasteful prices!