Vanilla Beans
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Vanilla is the long green-bean shaped fruit of an orchid. Having almost no flavor in their fresh form, the fruits must be picked at just the right time to allow for the best flavor development. Originating in the New World, Aztecs were the first peoples to discover the method for harvesting and curing the vanilla bean. Vanilla is one of the most popular, robust, and complex flavorings in the world. It is used in many desserts, including ice cream, custard, cake, candy, and pudding. Vanilla is also used to enhance the flavor of beverages and sauces. Over the last few years, vanilla as made an emergence in savory dishes, especially with shellfish such as lobster and scallops. Category: Baking Spices |