2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14
The words "vanilla" and "vanillin" seem to many to be synonymous, which refer exclusively to cooking. Today we will debunk this myth! Let's talk about the difference between these terms, how to get a natural flavor additive, and at the same time find out where else vanilla beans are used, except in the kitchen.
About vanilla and vanillin
Vanilla flavor accompanies us since childhood. It smells like ice cream and creme brulee, mom's eclairs and grandma's pies, baby soap and Montpensier sweets… And much more.
Vanilla flavoring is very common. It is a substance obtained in a laboratory, similar to the original very remotely. Natural vanilla is much more aromatic and tastier. And in terms of quality, of course, wins.
This seems to be clear, but the question arises of where to get it? This is where vanilla pods come in handy.
Selection rules
When buying, pay attention to the appearance. Good pods shine as if oiled, do not have cracks and chips. But the white coating should not frighten - this is the so-called vanilla frost, it periodically appears on the surface and does not affect the quality in any way.
Vanilla pods can be stored at home for several weeks by wrapping them in foil. Please note that this plant does not tolerate low temperatures, it will quickly deteriorate in the refrigerator. Better put the workpiece in the cabinet.
For its intended purpose: making vanilla sugar
Sold these intricate things, outwardly similar to dried pieces of wood, in the departments with spices. I must say that the price of one pod is much more than the price of a whole bag of vanilla. But there is more sense from him.
To make flavored sugar, simply place a vanilla bean in a sugar bowl, cover with a tight lid and let steep for about a week.
Such sugar can be put in coffee and tea, added to pastries, used in the preparation of home-made alcohol.
Seeds
Vanilla pods are filled with small seeds. They are also widely used in the preparation of various dishes. Carefully cut the pod lengthwise so that the seeds can be removed and pour them out. Add a pinch to desserts, boiled milk, gingerbread and cookie dough, berry pies, homemade ice cream.
You can use this natural seasoning for the children's menu. Add variety to the usual recipes, and your child will happily enjoy semolina or cottage cheese.
Try not to store seeds. Better open the pod just before use.
Extract
Vanilla quickly reacts with alcohol, transferring some of its properties to it. If you decide to do the extraction, use any alcohol with a strength of 35o. You can, of course, add something from the 40-degree classics to the bottle, but, according to technologists, 35 is the optimal strength.
Remember that the same number of pods as alcohol (by weight) is needed to obtain the extract. If you plan on adding a vanilla bean to a half-liter bottle of cognac, you'll end up with a flavored drink at best, not an extract. Which, in general, is also not bad - many people like the taste of such alcohol.
By the way, bartenders and baristas often use vanilla pods in their art.
Vanilla outside the kitchen
Vanilla pods are loved by many creative people. Photographers often use them for entourage, working with product photography. They harmonize especially well with white and light delicate shades, creating a contrast.
Sometimes cooks also use vanilla for the same decorative purposes. Not for taste and smell, but for beauty. Cottage cheese dessert, sweet berry soup, profiteroles, a scoop of ice cream - any of these dishes will decorate a vanilla pod. Photos are appetizing and memorable.
Those who make homemade cosmetics are well aware of how magicalaroma can give soap or cream vanilla. And besides the smell, it also affects the color, giving it cold chocolate shades.
Often this material is used by needlewomen. Cotton, linen or coarse calico is boiled in a decoction of vanilla, cinnamon and coffee to dye the fabric in a beautiful natural color and give it a smell. Interior toys sewn from such patches smell pleasantly. Vanilla pods are often used as natural flavorings.
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