Perfume with vanilla scent. Sweet vanilla scent

The aroma of vanilla fills our everyday life notes of a holiday: it is impossible to refuse pleasant moments, and why? It can give a second life to your waist and your personal life. Believe me, they don't refuse this!

This gentle and sweet fragrance will help you give up sweets and pore less over centimeters. Vanilla patch - way out. Scientists have proven that vanilla aroma reduces appetite, desire to eat sweets. But it's no secret that the first reason for weight gain is a large amount of carbohydrates, which is contained in sweets. It has been proven that aroma affects the brain, reducing the concentration of serotonin - and this is the very "appetizing" hormone.

Such a patch acts like a spirit that is always with you. They are fragrant and keep you full. By the way, vanilla scent is very strong. Proof of this is the dress of the wife of Nicholas II, which has been exuding a light vanilla aroma in the Hermitage for more than 100 years. If you do not have such a miracle patch, you can buy perfume with a predominant vanilla component. Kill two birds with one stone: and the waist will decrease, and the fans will follow the smell.

If you are angry, tense or upset, drink vanilla tea, the aroma will help you calm your nerves, get rid of PMS symptoms and relax. And then you yourself decide what to do, the most important thing is that peace and tranquility will come to you.

Vanilla scent is an aphrodisiac

Vanilla - an orchid brought from Mexico can not only soothe, but vice versa, inflame passion. The Mexicans worshiped this plant. Vanilla is a deity who, according to the inhabitants of Mexico, returns love euphoria. Therefore, dear ladies, give a man a luxurious bath in honey and vanilla. To do this, take a glass of almond or other oil, olive, for example. Half a glass of honey, the same liquid soap, and one tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix and lather in the bath. And for reference: the aroma of vanilla makes men obedient, kind, attentive and able to trust you.

If vanilla perfume is not enough for you, and you want your hair to be affected by this smell, prepare a rinse for yourself. Two drops of vanilla oil per liter of water will suffice. When washing, watch your eyes.

vanilla essential oil

This oil has many benefits. First - normalizes the processes of digestion, second - makes skin matte, saturates it with gluten, the third - activates energy activity in cells, starting natural processes in the body.

If you have an aromatherapy session at your home, consider choosing an oil. If you decide on vanilla, then in aroma lamps you should use up to 3 drops, in aroma medallions 2 each. cosmetics enrichment add 3 to 5 drops per 15 ml base. And for a massage you will need 5 drops. You can easily combine the aroma of vanilla with anise, sandalwood, jasmine, ginger, rosewood and couscous.

Fighting cellulite with vanilla is not only possible, but also necessary. Anti-cellulite scrub with vanilla and coffee to your attention: a glass of sugar, a fourth of a glass of ground coffee beans, 10 drops of vanilla oil, the same amount of almond oil. You need to mix sugar and almond oil until smooth liquid mass, then add vanilla oil. If it gets too thick, dilute with a drop of almond. This homemade miracle can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks. This scrub is suitable for all skin types. Of course, the face, damaged and delicate parts of your body should not be treated with it.

At vanilla oil contraindications a little: individual intolerance and phototoxicity - on the street after applying the oil with a foot.

So, dear ladies, a sense of calm, harmony and protection can be obtained by wrapping yourself in vanilla aroma, which can always be at hand in the form of a patch, a jar of perfume or vanilla essential oil.

There is another supernatural option. If we talk about the power of real vanilla aroma, then its concentration is very high in seeds and pods. So you can take a pod with you - another one in your purse, you will be fragrant, and at the same time forget about dessert!

Especially for Lucky-Girl.en- Anna

Vanilla is a perennial plant. According to the biological classification, it is classified as a vine. Belongs to the Orchid family (Orchidaceae).

The genus name comes from Spanish, where it means "pod", however, vanilla fruits are pods.

Vanilla pods are boxes with fragrant grains hidden in them.

Title in other languages:

lat. Vanilla planifolia,
German Mexican Vanille, Echte Vanille,
English Vanilla, common vanilla
fr. Vanille, Vanille du Mexique.

It is noteworthy that in all European languages \u200b\u200b"vanilla" - "Vanilla" is written almost the same, with the exception of the endings of the word, and there are no other names for this spice.

Vanilla is a vine from the Orchid family.

Vanilla flowers are beautiful and delicate

Appearance

It can climb trees up to a height of 15 m.

The trunk of vanilla is knotty, relatively thin: its diameter is up to 2 cm. The trunk practically does not branch.

The leaves are long, flat and fleshy, pointed-oval in shape. They grow on the stem between the nodes and are attached by shoots to the tree around which the vine is twisted. at the nodes, with reverse side from a leaf, a root grows. Due to it, the vine is also tightly attached to the tree.

Clusters of flowers are on short stalks. They are formed in the axils of the leaves and contain about 15 yellow-green flowers, which have a rather sharp aroma. The perianth consists of five leaves, and in the sixth, a pistil with a stamen grows. Since it is enclosed in a tube, it is more difficult for butterflies to pollinate it.

Vanilla blooms in the third year of the life of the vine and only one day

From the flowers, green fruits are formed in boxes (many mistakenly call them pods). The ovary forms a fruit of a narrow oblong shape, which is a box with three faces in the shape of a cylinder. The length of the fruit can reach 25 cm. Their width is about 1.5 cm. They contain a pulp that resembles mousse, and many black seeds are located in it. The fruits are harvested when they turn yellow.

Vanilla grows wild in North America

The first vanilla plant was built in Madagascar, but it uses only manual labor

Kinds

Officially, there are 103 types of vanilla. Most of them are considered decorative.

Spice is obtained from three types:

flat-leaved(Vanilla planifolia) - provides the best quality spices, has pods reaching a length of up to 0.25 m. It has the widest application.
Tahitian(Vanilla tahitensis) - This species grows in Tahiti. It has red-brown pods that have a floral exotic aroma with fruity notes and a slight tobacco note. They contain less vanillin and therefore are cheaper. It is used in the preparation of desserts, ice cream, creams. In addition, it is used in the field of perfumery.
Guadalupe(Vanilla pompona) from Central and South America - vanilla from the pods of this species no longer has such good quality and less valued. The aroma is similar to Tahitian, it is used for the production of perfumes and flavoring tobacco.

Flat-leaved - the highest quality vanilla

Guadalupe vanilla is cultivated in Central and North America

Tahitian vanilla is mainly cultivated on the island of Tahiti.

Where does it grow?

Vanilla grows in tropical and subtropical areas. Most often it is cultivated in countries located on the equator. The largest volume of vanilla production belongs to the island of Madagascar. At the same time, vanilla is exported to China and Indonesia.

Vanilla came from Mexico and Central America, after which it gained its popularity in other countries.

spice making method

The most famous spice, vanilla, is obtained from vanilla pods. The process of obtaining spices from vanilla is quite complicated. The fruits themselves do not smell.

Unripe, fermented and dried vanilla pods

In order for them to give their unique flavor, they are fermented:

Initially, the pods are harvested not quite ripe, while they have not yet had time to open.

It is necessary that the pod be dried (to prevent rotting) for 8-10 days, but at the same time moisture must be preserved in it, and in no case should the enzymes responsible for the production of vanillin suffer. It is impossible to determine this from the readings of the instruments. Vanilla growers can only rely on their own ability.
Then they are kept in the shade for 5 weeks. At the same time, they become brownish-black, acquire elasticity and begin to smell.
After that, they are tied into bunches and left for another month in metal boxes, where they get their unique bouquet.
Vanilla is shipped in wooden boxes lined with waxed paper. In this case, each beam is checked.

White bloom on the pods - and there is natural vanillin, the content of which in vanilla is no more than a few percent. The pods lose most of their weight during drying, but they begin to exude aroma.

Producer cooperatives invite special tasters who smell the pod with a defect. This pod is removed, because it can render the whole bunch unusable.

This is how vanilla beans are dried in Mauritius

Vanilla pods ready for sale are hand-packed

How to choose?

The quality of vanilla depends on the type of vine and drying conditions. The appearance of the pods is taken into account. They should be quite elastic, slightly twisted. Their surface should be slightly oily and have brownish color with white bloom.

White bloom indicates the high quality of the pods, these are crystals of real vanillin.

In markets and retail chains, vanilla is sold in the form of:

pods;
powder;
vanilla sugar;
extract.

Vanilla pods and powder must be sealed. When purchasing a powder, pay attention to the composition on the package. The fact is that vanilla powder is expensive and unscrupulous manufacturers often replace it with a synthetic analogue. If synthetic raw materials were used in the production of the spice, the presence of lingin will be indicated on the packaging. Just 20 grams of this powder can replace one kilogram of natural vanilla powder.

Vanilla pods should be oily and the powder should be rich. dark brown color

When buying vanilla sugar, carefully study the composition

Vanilla extract can be purchased in retail chains, or you can make it yourself

How to store?

In order to preserve all the organoleptic and beneficial properties of vanilla pods, the spice must be stored in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. It is advisable to protect from exposure to direct sun rays. Many people store vanilla beans with granulated sugar, which takes on a delicate vanilla flavor that lends itself to drinks and baked goods.

Extracts and essences also need to be stored in a dark place and tightly close the bottle cap.

It is very convenient to store vanilla in a glass flask with a cork stopper.

Peculiarities

Vanilla is one of the more expensive spices. It is quite difficult to grow due to the difficulty of pollination. Wherein artificial production vanillin does not give the same taste and aroma that are obtained when natural production. At right conditions storage odor can retain up to 36 years.

At proper storage vanilla will keep its properties long years

known following characteristics vanilla:

it is used as an aphrodisiac;
it contains a large amount of minerals and antioxidants;
sugar, vanilla extract, essence and syrup are made from it;
it is actively used in cooking.

Vanilla syrup is commonly used by bartenders to make cocktails.

Smell

The smell of vanilla gives dishes, especially confectionery, a delicate, unforgettable aroma. However, it is also used in perfumery. A lot of perfumes have subtle vanilla notes in their smell. Most often, vanilla, which grows in Reunion, is used for perfumery purposes.

Vanilla scent:

invigorates
improves memory,
helps in concentration,
gives joy,
causes our brain to produce serotonin - the hormone of happiness.

Vanilla is rightfully considered a female spice, because it is women who most often suffer from changeable mood and depression.

Vanilla is rightfully considered almost the main female spice.

Moreover, seratonin is able to act on smooth muscles, so the smell of vanilla helps with painful periods. The smell of vanilla is a powerful aphrodisiac that not only stimulates sex drive, but also able to prolong sexual intercourse.

Eau de Toilette with notes of vanilla - a powerful aphrodisiac

Vanilla and chocolate - a shock dose of the hormone of happiness

Surprisingly, vanillin, which is part of vanilla, is just one of the 400 components present in natural vanilla.

The remaining components are present in the fragrance in very small doses, but are very important for the overall impression, because these 399 components add up to a full aroma. That is why we recommend using only natural vanilla to enjoy the smell of vanilla.

Nutritional value and calories

Nutritional value and calorie content of 100 grams of product

One vanilla pod weighs about 3 grams.

You can learn about the properties of vanilla from next video from the TV show "1000 and 1 Spice of Scheherazade".

Chemical composition

Beneficial features

Vanilla has the following beneficial properties:

makes the skin more elastic;
helps to get rid of acne and skin irritations;
whitens the skin;
normalizes digestion;
helps with hormonal problems;
improves metabolism;
acts as powerful aphrodisiac;
tones and relaxes;
improves mood;
helping women during menstrual cycles.

Vanilla is actively used in aromatherapy, restoring appetite, improving work nervous system.

Creams with vanilla extract well moisturize, tighten and whiten the skin.

Harm

But vanilla has not only useful, but also harmful properties:

stupefying smell;
increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Vanilla essential oil tends to cause excessive sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, so after using it, you should not expose the skin to direct sunlight.

Contraindications

Vanilla is contraindicated:

pregnant women;
in the presence of personal intolerance;
if you have an allergy.

Oil

Vanilla essential oil is a product that is very often adulterated. It is obtained from the pods that have undergone fermentation, after which the extraction process with oily solvents is carried out. It is long and requires high-quality technological equipment. At the output, the amount of oil is very small. But it is also used in very small doses.

By appearance vanilla oil is viscous, thick and oily, with overflows in the light. Vanilla oil has a strong, spicy-sweet aroma that lasts for years. It has found application in medicine, cosmetology and aromatherapy.

Vanilla essential oil will cheer you up and relieve insomnia

Vanilla oil is widely used in aromatherapy.

It promotes:

sedation
stress relief,
insomnia.

Oil is added to many perfume compositions. Also it favorably affects the condition of the skin, making it supple, soft and tender. It allows you to treat irritations on the skin, even out its color.

The oil is not only an excellent flavoring agent, but also has a rejuvenating effect. Beneficial features of this oil allow you to use it to combat various diseases. Vanilla essential oil can be taken orally, inhaled or in aroma lamps, or added to a bath or to massage mixture. The oil is also used in cooking in appropriate dosages.

Juice

The juice is extracted from the leaves of the plant. One use: rub into the scalp to improve hair growth.

Application

In cooking

The range of uses of vanilla in cooking is quite extensive:

it is used in the preparation of confectionery;
vanilla is added to drinks;
vanillin is often added to chocolate, including drinks made from it;
vanilla goes well with fruits;
at the heart of many alcoholic beverages contains vanilla essence;
Vanilla sugar is made from vanilla.

Vanilla has a bitter taste, so it is usually ground into a powder and added to powdered sugar. There is only one pod per pound of sugar. Vanilla is added to puddings, jams, fruit dishes and alats, bakery products. Vanilla syrup is impregnated with cake layers.

A real Italian panna cotta is impossible to cook without natural vanilla.

Natural vanilla is an important ingredient of the famous French dessert "Crème caramel"

Vanilla essence is often added to liqueurs.

However, you should be careful about the dosage. A large number of added vanilla will spoil the dish, giving it a bitter aftertaste.

Vanilla sugar is obtained by mixing vanilla with powdered sugar. Vanilla extract is obtained by steeping small pods in alcohol solution and then added to desserts.

Vanilla powder is obtained by grinding the dried pods. Essence is one of the varieties of vanilla extract, only more pods are used in its preparation.

Coffee and vanilla combination is one of the most successful. It is on this tandem that the aroma of the famous Sheridan's liqueur is based.

Sheridan's liqueur - a combination of vanilla and coffee liqueur, the amount of each can be adjusted independently

The combination of egg yolks, white wine and vanilla is a classic French dessert cream Sabayon

Vanilla is often used to make vanilla creams. When cooked in cream or milk, the incised pod begins to exude its unique aroma. Then you need to take it out, scrape off the pulp and just add it to the milk.

Real vanilla will give a unique flavor to the cream

Recipes

Sugar

After cooking, the pods need to be washed, they can be used to make syrup or vanilla sugar: the peeled pods are placed in a jar of sugar. The jar is tightly closed - and in 1-2 weeks you will have the most excellent vanilla sugar.

You can make your own vanilla sugar

Syrup

After making vanilla sugar, the pods are placed in a bottle and filled with sugar syrup. Through a short time you will get a fragrant vanilla syrup that can be used to sweeten desserts and sauces. Shelf life - 4-6 months.

vanilla extract

You can also make vanilla extract at home.

Take 1 vanilla pod and 30 ml of alcohol.
First, the pod is cut lengthwise, then cut into pieces.
Put the vanilla in a specially prepared jar and fill it with alcohol.
The composition is infused for three weeks.
After this period, the pods are taken out and new ones are added so that the extract is more concentrated.

Vanilla extract can be used to make desserts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

How to separate the pulp

Separating the vanilla pulp is a rather laborious process.

In doing so, you need to remember that:

most of the flavoring substances are contained in the pods, and not in the pulp of the seeds and the oil itself;
vanilla must be High Quality;
real vanilla is expensive, but the pods can be used repeatedly.

To separate the pulp, you need:

Put the pod on the board, take it by the base and cut it lengthwise with a knife;
Press down the cut pods and gently run along with a knife, separating the pulp;
The pulp can be used to make vanilla sugar or syrup.

Separating the pulp from the pod is a laborious task

vanilla ice cream

Required: 0.5 liters. milk, 3 yolks, 100 g sugar and vanilla extract.

The yolks are beaten with sugar and heated in a water bath until thickened.
250 ml of milk is heated in a separate container, vanilla extract is added and milk is mixed with a mixture of yolks.
The resulting mixture is heated for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
The mixture is removed from heat, the remaining 250 ml of milk is added and cooled.
After the mixture has cooled, it is placed in plastic container into the freezer.
During the first few hours, the mixture is stirred periodically to keep the ice cream uniform.

Vanilla ice cream can be made right in your kitchen

In medicine

Vanilla is often used in products traditional medicine. With her help:

relieve fevers;
eliminate pain and discomfort in the stomach;
treat disorders of the nervous system;
treat mental illness;
eliminate drowsiness;
treat rheumatism;
stimulate the work of muscles;
improve digestion;
treat intestinal diseases;
suppress the tendency to drink alcohol;
treat sleep disorders;
used for delays in the menstrual cycle and premenstrual syndrome;
used for antibacterial purposes;
used in the fight against cancer;
treat anemia.

It is known that when adding vanilla extract to food, you can save yourself from harmful bacteria.

When using vanilla during PMS and menstrual cycles, women feel much less discomfort and pain.

When losing weight

Nutritionists have discovered that the smell of vanilla can be used in the fight against overweight. It helps suppress cravings for sweets and chocolate. Therefore, it is recognized effective way when overweight patients wear pendants containing vanilla oil.

Many modern systems weight loss include vanilla, but not as a food supplement, but as a powerful antidepressant. Inhaling the sweet aroma of vanilla helps fight bad mood relieves anxiety and calms the nerves. In addition, when inhaling this smell, a person produces hormones that block the feeling of hunger. You can also add a drop of vanilla oil to the finished dish, and then saturation occurs much faster.

Other

Many cosmetic companies have long known about the benefits of vanilla for the skin and started producing creams based on vanilla extract.

Many leading brands launch vanilla-based skincare ranges.

And, of course, this is one of the favorite fragrances of perfumers.

Vanilla essential oil mini diffuser will fill your home with intoxicating aromas

Vanilla notes are often used in perfumery

cultivation

"Mora, Mora" ("Calmly and without haste") - this is how they say about capricious vanilla in Madagascar. After all, in addition to the humid tropical climate of the north of this island, it needs to be given a lot of time so that the unleavened fruits turn into fragrant vanilla.

Vanilla is propagated by cuttings. The plant is pollinated artificially, and the first fruits appear after three years of cultivation. Liana has a high growth rate. In just a month, it can grow by a meter. But for this to be true, it must create the most favorable conditions.

Liana grows very quickly in favorable conditions

Flowers can bear fruit for several decades.

Pollination in vivo produced only by a single species of bees and hummingbirds. But only a few percent of the flowers can be pollinated in this way.

The length of the vines can reach up to 50 m. Vanilla plantations are planted next to supports or pre-planted trees so that the vines have something to attach to.

Watch a video of how vanilla grows on a plantation in India.

At home

Growing a vanilla flower at home is very difficult. However, even if you managed to grow the plant, it will be even more difficult to achieve a harvest, since you will have to pollinate the vanilla yourself.

Vanilla needs a tropical, hot and humid climate, so you will need to build a greenhouse first.
Before planting, vanilla shoots should be soaked in water for 10 minutes.
Then pull the plant out, but not completely, leaving the tips in the water. Leave the shoot in this position for 5 days. Don't forget to add water periodically.
Fill the pot with special soil for orchids. Make sure the plant has a support around which it can wrap itself. The place where the pot will stand should be in the shade for half a day.
Plant the plant in a pot. Bottom part plants (on which the shoots are located) should lie horizontally and be sprinkled thin layer soil. Tie up a flower.
During the first month, the soil should be dry, but not overdried. Moisturize it from time to time. In the months that follow, water, mist, and fertilize the plant regularly.
It takes several years for vanilla to bloom.
When the plant blooms, it should be pollinated by hand. This must be done very carefully and strictly. certain time. It is best to call an experienced grower for help, or turn to specialized Internet sites.
If everything goes well, the pods will begin to tie in a few months. When the pods begin to turn yellow at the bottom, it will be possible to harvest.

Growing vanilla in a pot is difficult, but very interesting activity

Vanilla was known to the Aztecs and Incas. Representatives of the nobility gave her a special flavor to drinks made from cocoa beans.
The Aztecs sweetened bitter chocolate with it and then used it to pay taxes.
Due to the complexity of growing and preparing the spice, vanilla is considered a very expensive spice.
Vanilla was brought to Russia at the beginning of the 17th century.
Among the entire Orchid family, only vanilla has edible fruits.
Vanilla has been considered medicinal since ancient times. This discovery was made by the Indians.
In France, tobacco was previously flavored with vanilla.
Vanilla came into wide use after the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.
There is a youth fashion trend Vanilla style.

Synthetic vanilla flavor

Due to its high cost, vanilla is often adulterated. It is very rare to find real vanilla, artificial analogues are more often on sale, since vanilla of natural origin is quite expensive.

You will learn more about the benefits of vanilla by watching the program "Live Healthy".

Vanilla, known from ancient times to the Indians of Central America, came to Europe only in the middle of the 16th century. And only with the discovery of America, along with cocoa and other gifts of the New World, she won the hearts of gourmets around the world. The Maya, and later the Aztecs, called vanilla "tlilxochitl" ("black flower") and used it primarily to make cocoa-based drinks. In some European countries, vanilla was loved as early as the 17th century: a spice with a wonderful aroma was used as a cure for many diseases, as well as in cooking - in dishes and drinks. Not without reason, vanilla was considered a powerful aphrodisiac. Nowadays, everyone knows the smell and taste of vanilla, but mostly synthetic. Real vanilla extract is very expensive, and its use is not very profitable for mass production. The aroma of natural vanilla is provided by several chemical components, but mainly vanillin and piperonal (heliotropin). From a botanical point of view, Vanilla is a genus of perennial vines of the Orchidaceae family. Most known species genus Vanilla - Vanilla planifolia - grows in Mexico. About a hundred types of vanilla are known, but only two of them are used in wide industrial production due to their taste and aroma: Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla tahitiensis. Vanilla planifolia grows in tropical climates: in Mexico and South America, in the Caribbean, on the islands of the Indian Ocean, in Indonesia ... Vanilla grown in Mexico is considered one of the best, due to the fact that Mexico is "the historical homeland Vanilla planifolia. However, Mexico accounts for only a small percentage of total vanilla production. Vanilla Bourbon from Madagascar occupies the largest sector of the modern vanilla market. This island in the Indian Ocean produces about 1,000 tons of beans per year and is rightfully considered one of the largest manufacturers vanilla, along with Comoros and Reunion Island. Vanilla Bourbon is also grown in Africa and Indonesia. This type of vanilla was named after the former name of the island of Réunion - Bourbon - which, in turn, was given in honor of the royal house. In fact, from a botanical point of view, Vanilla Bourbon is the same Vanilla planifolia, but different natural conditions and production conditions distinguish its taste and aroma from the taste and aroma of Mexican vanilla. Vanilla Bourbon has a bright, rich flavor. From this type of vanilla, in the process of drying beans (pods), natural vanillin is extracted in the form of crystals. The extraction of natural vanillin is a long and expensive process. Vanilla pods themselves are formed from beautiful yellow-green or yellow flowers vanilla. Under natural conditions, flowers are pollinated by insects and hummingbirds, but in plantations this is done by hand. Green pods ripen on stems for 8-9 months. Then they are collected and dried for another six months. During the drying process, white crystals appear on the pods - natural vanillin. Tahitian vanilla is grown in the islands of French Polynesia (Tahiti) and is rarer and more expensive than Bourbon vanilla. Its taste is considered milder and the aroma stronger than that of Vanilla planifolia. Tahitian vanilla contains less vanillin and more heliotropin, which gives it fruity nuances. French vanilla, which is often found in perfume compositions, is not a specific type of vanilla. But this component is a kind of quality mark because of its taste and aroma, intense and identical to natural vanillin. The name "French Vanilla" comes from french recipe ice cream.

The Aztecs were the first to know about vanilla, for whom it became almost a sacred plant. In honor of vanilla, a legend about a beautiful but unhappy love was composed. One king had a daughter like that amazing beauty that it was a sin to give her in marriage to a mere mortal. She had only one path - to become a priestess. But one day the girl met a young man and fell in love with him, which angered the high priest, who ordered the lovers to be killed. After some time, a bush grew at the place of their death, and then a winding stem hugging this bush. Then flowers appeared on the stem, which soon turned into fragrant pods. This is how vanilla was born. Centuries passed, and in the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors came to the Aztecs, whom Emperor Montezuma regaled with a signature Indian drink - chocolate with vanilla. The divine aroma of the latter captivated the head of the Spaniards, Hernan Cortes, so much that he took several bags of vanilla with him. But the fragrant spice did not immediately become popular in Europe. For almost 150 years, the Spaniards single-handedly enjoyed vanilla without telling anyone about it.

Readiness #1

Vanilla is born not at all as fragrant as it seems. Vanilla pods go through a lot of tests before they acquire a bewitching smell. To begin with, they are kept for some time in hot water, then wrapped in woolen blankets and left for three weeks. Then they leave it to dry in the sun, and after a month they check the readiness of the vanilla. If the pods stick to your fingers, then they are “ripe”. If not, they are left to “sunbathe” further.

Calm me down!

Vanilla has long been considered a medicinal plant. The Indians treated it for sore throats, coughs, fevers, chills, and used it as an antidote for bites. Europeans used vanilla for rheumatism and hyperexcitability. At the same time, vanilla was considered one of the most effective aphrodisiacs. Today, it has been scientifically proven that the smell of vanilla improves mood, helps fight depression, promotes the production of hormones of joy and reduces cravings for sweets.

Fragrant Facts

Vanillin has nothing to do with vanilla. Vanilla is a natural product, and vanillin is synthetic.
Vanilla has one of the most complex flavors. It includes 250 organic components and depends on the region where the plant grows.
The vanilla pod matures within 7-9 months.
Vanilla is the only edible fruit of the orchid family.
There are about 150 varieties of vanilla, but only two of them go on sale - bourbon and Tahitian.
Vanilla is the most labor-intensive crop in the world. The plant begins to bear fruit only three years after planting and requires a lot of attention and care.
The vanilla flower only blooms for one day. And in nature it is pollinated by only one species of bees and long-billed hummingbirds.

With suffocation!

It seems that perfumers love vanilla even more than chefs. A rare fragrance does without the presence of sweet and cozy vanilla notes in the composition. It is believed that the smell of vanilla attracts the attention of men and ... cats! But not only the creators of aromas have a soft spot for this plant. Taking advantage of ancient knowledge about the properties of vanilla to rejuvenate and nourish the skin, Chanel cosmetologists have created a whole line of Sublimage anti-aging products based on vanilla extract.

The smell of food is great importance for us. It is worth smelling the aroma of food that is being prepared, and a feeling of hunger may appear. Humanity has been improving the smell of food for thousands of years. Vanilla is one of the most common spices around the world that excites the appetite.

Most people like the smell of vanilla. There is a small number of people who remain indifferent to the aroma of this spice.

Vanilla is native to Central America. The spice grows on a perennial orchid, which is pollinated only special kind local bees and hummingbirds. Vanilla fruits develop from the pollinated flower. But only half of the pollinated flowers form vanilla ovaries. People have learned to pollinate the plant themselves in order to get more spice. Because of this labor-intensive process, vanilla is the most expensive spice in the world.

Currently, the largest supplier of vanilla spice is the island of Madagascar. It produces 2000 tons of vanilla per year. This is 60% of the annual world spice production.

Unfortunately, many of us do not consume real vanilla. People have learned to industrially synthesize powder from wood with a similar smell. It's called vanillin.

But real vanilla has a creamy-sweet smell, which is a combination of tannins, esters and many other substances.

Distinguishing real spice from vanillin is easy. The spice has a slightly brownish tint, and the synthesized powder is white.

Useful properties of vanilla - a popular flavor

The spice has a very pleasant sweet smell. This smell is beneficial for emotional condition: soothes and relaxes. Some people have less cravings for chocolate. If you want to eat a chocolate bar, smell the vanilla and you'll want to.

This property of spices can help with weight loss. Especially for people who can't refuse sweets. Also, during diets, depression often appears due to a lack of sugars in the body. Vanilla not only reduces cravings for chocolate, but also improves mood and calms.

The spice is considered natural aphrodisiac. A drug that improves mood by producing serotonin. It also enhances attractiveness in men and women.

Vanilla is able to stop the growth of harmful bacteria in the body.

But not only harmful microorganisms, but also cancer cells cannot resist the spice. Spice can reduce their growth.

Obtained from vanilla essential oil. It is actively used in perfumery. The aroma oil also improves the condition of the skin, rejuvenates it, restores its firmness and elasticity.

The scent of the oil soothes, relaxes and improves sleep.

Contraindications for use.

How to choose.

To buy a real spice, you need to purchase vanilla pods. The pods should be almost black in color. They should have an oily coating. A white coating is also possible.

How to store.

Stored at room temperature in a dark place. Pods are stored in a container. Each pod must be individually wrapped in cling film and put in a container. Ideal for storing cigars. Every 2 months, the pods must be unrolled and ventilated, then wrapped again in cling film.

Vanilla can be stored this way for up to 36 years.

How to use.

The spice pod can be cut into pieces and added to different dishes. Make vanilla sugar at home.

Vanilla is also insisted on alcohol. Then this alcohol liquid is added to various dishes.

At home, you can also insist vanilla on alcohol or cognac. You need to soak the vanilla pod in alcohol for a while. Then get the pod, wipe it dry and put it in a container with sugar for several months to granulated sugar smelled of vanilla.