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Mexican Vanilla Extract

Pure Mexican Vanilla

Mexican vanilla is a revered ingredient in chef’s pantries far and wide. Pure Mexican vanilla extract is absolutely nothing like the imitation stuff that McCormick puts out. Sorry to say it, but after 5 years in this wondrous country, I will not ever be able to bring myself to buy imitation vanilla extract ever again.

In fact, Mexico used to have the world’s monopoly on vanilla production, cerca the early 1900’s until European countries decided to invest in it, and move it elsewhere, spreading it through the Caribbean and all the way to Madagascar. Pure Mexican vanilla is sometimes hard to come by. To tell if it’s really the real thing, you need to look at the color. Dark vanilla is not pure. It is a synthetic form of vanilla that will contain vanilla extract, yes, but it has caramel coloring and added alcohol. Clear vanilla isn’t pure either, it also has some in it, but has been bleached for cosmetic uses. The only true blue vanilla extract is caramel colored. Not to say the others aren’t good, but that’s how you know if you’re getting gpure Mexican vanilla extract!

Mexican vanilla is sold over the internet, and you can also buy pure Mexican vanilla extract. Many dessert recipes call for vanilla, such as arroz con leche, flan, and most all of the Mexican cookies and candies! You can use Mexican vanilla in place of any other vanilla you are using to give your dessert a unique flavor.