Contents:

• Properties of vanilla
• The use of vanilla
• vanilla sugar

Vanilla beans are, along with cardamom and saffron, the most expensive spices in the world. They are known, highly valued, and used in almost every corner of the globe, even in the most remote areas. Its unique, pleasant aroma is familiar to everyone—it's so distinctive that it can't be confused with any other. Vanilla flavoring isn't just for desserts—vanilla flavoring is also used in the cosmetics and perfumery industries. Vanilla grows naturally in the tropical forests of South America. As it became one of the world's most popular spices, it began to be cultivated outside of this region. Today, Madagascar is the largest producer. What benefits can we derive from using this aromatic spice?

Properties of vanilla

This plant belongs to the orchid family, and the long, green pods that grow on it are commonly called vanilla sticks. An interesting fact is that dark green, ripe vanilla pods don't have their unusual, recognizable sweet aroma after harvest. They only acquire it after a special preparation process involving alternating fermentation and drying of the pods. This process, during which the vanilla pods turn black and acquire their fragrance, takes about half a year. They also have a white coating due to the naturally occurring vanillin. This substance is primarily responsible for vanilla's unique aroma. The more of it there is on the pods, the higher their quality. However, this spice not only tastes and smells delicious, but also has a beneficial effect on our bodies:

• improves the digestive process by stimulating gastric juice secretion,
• eliminates the feeling of hunger by reducing the activity of the appetite center in the brain – therefore it is worth including it in a reduction diet,
• helps relieve pain associated with rheumatoid and degenerative changes,
• improves the digestive process, relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive and urinary tract,
• has an antiseptic effect.
  

Vanilla is used not only in cooking but also in aromatherapy. Natural vanilla oil has the following effects:

• calming,
• Reduces nervous tension and thus supports the fight against stress.
• Improvement of well-being,
• Elimination of hunger,
• makes it easier to fall asleep.

The use of vanilla

Today, vanilla ice cream is an indispensable ingredient in the world—it's the most popular flavor of this dessert. Vanilla is not only found in ice cream, but also in cakes, creams, pies, muffins , puddings, and liqueurs. Many of these desserts wouldn't exist without the vanilla flavor. It's also added to chocolate and fruit products, as well as coffee. Vanilla is also increasingly found in savory dishes—it's added to meat sauces and fish and seafood dishes.

vanilla sugar

In Poland, vanilla sugar is a popular ingredient in cakes. When buying it, we should pay attention to whether it actually contains vanilla or vanilla extract, or just vanillin or ethyl vanillin, which is a cheaper substitute. If you need vanilla sugar for a cake and want to make sure it contains high-quality, real vanilla, you can easily make a healthier version at home. Simply put two jars of xylitol in the jar, throw in the scraped seeds from a vanilla pod along with the candy cane and mix it together. We let the xylitol and vanilla stand for about two weeks and after this time, homemade and delicious vanilla sugar with a beautiful aroma is ready to use.