Facts on Vanilla

Vanilla's that great smelling liquid in the little brown bottle. By itself it doesn't taste nearly as good as it smells. You put it into cookies and cakes for more flavor. Almost everyone knows about and likes vanilla ice cream.

These are the most familiar facts about vanilla. But what other facts are there? If you aren't sure, you're in good company, for vanilla has remained mysterious and elusive. Yet it is a flavor and fragrance that's an ingredient in more things than you can imagine. It's one of life's little pleasures that we take for granted and rarely think about - except when we need it for a recipe and it's not in the cupboard.

The real truth about vanilla is that it has a remarkable story, filled with history, intrigue, passion, and piracy. It flavors your foods, beverages, and even your favorite chocolate bar. It's the secret ingredient that makes a lot of medicines go down more easily. It's in most bottles of perfume, the rubber tires on the family car, and even in house paint.

Like letting the genie out of the bottle, I'm letting the secrets out of the bottle of vanilla - and into your senses. I think you'll be amazed. For even more information on vanilla than you find on these pages, I suggest that you buy Vanilla: The cultural History of the World's Favorite Flavor & Fragrance -- the only definitive book on the subject! I can guarantee that you'll never take your little brown bottle of extract for granted again.

In this section – 

Fast Facts on Vanilla
If you're a student searching for information on vanilla, a trivia whiz interested in fascinating factoids on everyone's favorite flavor, or, even if you're already a steadfast fan of all things vanilla, this list is for you.

Ask the Vanilla Queen
Frequently asked questions about vanilla answered by the Vanilla Queen.

Where in the world?
Map of the areas of the world where vanilla is grown.

Vanilla Magic
Much more than an ingredient in baked goods, vanilla is a magical flavoring and can do wonders for most foods and beverages. It's also very useful in calming our minds and bodies and helping us to feel good.

A Brief Overview of Mexican Vanilla
A Word About Mexican and Caribbean Vanilla Extracts

All about Vanilla Beans
How to choose and use vanilla beans.

All about Vanilla Flavors and Extracts and Other Vanilla Products