1.- The mysterious origin of the vanilla orchid
The mysterious
origin of the
vanilla orchid
- Get to know Vanilla-
1.1- Where does it come from vanilla?
Indeed, as the name itself suggests, the term "vanilla" comes from "small pod". The vanilla we know comes from the "pod" or fertilised ovary of the flower of a species of orchid.
As a result of the fertilization of the flower, the ovary gives rise to the fruit which forms a pod The fleshy, dangling, fleshy fruit matures gradually turning dark over time and giving off an intense and delicious aroma.
The fresh, still unscented pods are about 8 millimetres in diameter and are harvested and left to dry.
It is during the 'curing' process (sun-drying and ageing) that, as a result of fermentation, the distinctive vanilla flavour and aroma are generated. This process can take several months.
- Get to know Vanilla-
Where does it come from? vanilla?
Indeed, as the name itself suggests, the term "vanilla" comes from "small pod". The vanilla we know comes from the "pod" or fertilised ovary of the flower of a species of orchid.
As a result of the fertilization of the flower, the ovary gives rise to the fruit which forms a pod The fleshy, dangling, fleshy fruit matures gradually turning dark over time and giving off an intense and delicious aroma.
The fresh, still unscented pods are about 8 millimetres in diameter and are harvested and left to dry.
It is during the 'curing' process (sun-drying and ageing) that, as a result of fermentation, the distinctive vanilla flavour and aroma are generated. This process can take several months.
1.2- Origin and genus of the vanilla orchid
Vanilla is a spice that comes from Central America. Specifically, it originates from a genus of orchids with around 110 species distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Among all these species, the best known and most widely used for vanilla production is Vanilla planifolia, from which the familiar vanilla is extracted. This orchid species is native to Mexico and Central America, but is now cultivated in other parts of the world, such as Madagascar and the islands of the Indian Ocean.
It is important to note that vanilla production is a complex process that requires skilled labour and careful attention to detail. To obtain the vanilla used in cooking and the food industry, the orchid pods must be harvested when they are still green, undergo a process of fermentation, drying and curing, and finally be sorted according to quality and size.
Origin and genus of the vanilla orchid
Vanilla is a spice that comes from Central America. Specifically, it originates from a genus of orchids with around 110 species distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Among all these species, the best known and most widely used for vanilla production is Vanilla planifolia, from which the familiar vanilla is extracted. This orchid species is native to Mexico and Central America, but is now cultivated in other parts of the world, such as Madagascar and the islands of the Indian Ocean.
It is important to note that vanilla production is a complex process that requires skilled labour and careful attention to detail. To obtain the vanilla used in cooking and the food industry, the orchid pods must be harvested when they are still green, undergo a process of fermentation, drying and curing, and finally be sorted according to quality and size.
1.3- The multiple practical uses of the
vanilla in society
As we all know, vanilla is widely used to flavour foods and beverages. In addition, this spice is highly valued for its characteristic aroma, which is why it is also used as a flavouring agent in cosmetic products.
On the other hand, vanilla is known for its therapeutic properties. These include its ability to act as a natural anti-depressant, reduce anxiety and improve mood. Vanilla has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular ingredient in skin care products.
Interestingly, although vanilla is used all over the world, most of the production comes from countries such as Madagascar, Mexico, Indonesia and Reunion Island. In fact, Madagascar is one of the world's leading vanilla producers and is known for producing high quality vanilla.
The many practical uses of the
vanilla in society
vanilla in society
As we all know, vanilla is widely used to flavour foods and beverages. In addition, this spice is highly valued for its characteristic aroma, which is why it is also used as a flavouring agent in cosmetic products.
On the other hand, vanilla is known for its therapeutic properties. These include its ability to act as a natural anti-depressant, reduce anxiety and improve mood. Vanilla has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular ingredient in skin care products.
Interestingly, although vanilla is used all over the world, most of the production comes from countries such as Madagascar, Mexico, Indonesia and Reunion Island. In fact, Madagascar is one of the world's leading vanilla producers and is known for producing high quality vanilla.
1.4- Vanilla is used to flavour food and beverages.
Because of its highly valued properties, natural vanilla itself or dried vanilla extracts are used to flavour a wide variety of foodstuffs.
It always provides that fine and very rich nuance of aroma and flavour so characteristic of our vanilla and is therefore used in the preparation of a wide variety of food products, such as chocolates, ice cream, yoghurts and dairy desserts, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, baked goods (biscuits, cakes and pastries), etc.
Vanilla is used to flavour food and beverages.
Because of its highly valued properties, natural vanilla itself or dried vanilla extracts are used to flavour a wide variety of foodstuffs.
It always provides that fine and very rich nuance of aroma and flavour so characteristic of our vanilla and is therefore used in the preparation of a wide variety of food products, such as chocolates, ice cream, yoghurts and dairy desserts, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, baked goods (biscuits, cakes and pastries), etc.
1.4.1- And, of course, the scope of the health and well-being.
Both physical and emotional because of its therapeutic powers.
However, both when buying products containing vanilla and when shopping for vanilla to make your own homemade recipes, be aware that there are synthetic vanilla extracts - much cheaper than the natural extract - made from chemicals. They are sometimes offered in "liquid" form.
In fact, whenever we are going to buy any product, we must always be well informed about the composition that must be stated on the labelling.
And, of course, the field of health and well-being.
Both physical and emotional because of its therapeutic powers.
However, both when buying products containing vanilla and when shopping for vanilla to make your own homemade recipes, be aware that there are synthetic vanilla extracts - much cheaper than the natural extract - made from chemicals. They are sometimes offered in "liquid" form.
In fact, whenever we are going to buy any product, we must always be well informed about the composition that must be stated on the labelling.
2.- History of the vanilla?
History of the vanilla?
- History
2.1- Vanilla in Central America
Initially, the indigenous people collected vanilla from orchids that grew naturally in the jungle. However, in order to obtain this species in an easier and more controlled way, they began to reproduce it by means of cuttings. In fact, it is known that vanilla was already being cultivated in Central America before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
It is important to note that vanilla is a species native to Mexico, and was used by the indigenous peoples of the region for medicinal and culinary purposes. With the arrival of the Spanish, vanilla spread around the world thanks to its attractive taste and aroma.
- History
Vanilla in
Central America
Central America
Initially, the indigenous people collected vanilla from orchids that grew naturally in the jungle. However, in order to obtain this species in an easier and more controlled way, they began to reproduce it by means of cuttings. In fact, it is known that vanilla was already being cultivated in Central America before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
It is important to note that vanilla is a species native to Mexico, and was used by the indigenous peoples of the region for medicinal and culinary purposes. With the arrival of the Spanish, vanilla spread around the world thanks to its attractive taste and aroma.
2.1.1- Aztecs, Mayans and the food of the gods
Vanilla is a beautiful orchid that has been valued by various cultures throughout history. Both the Aztecs and the Mayans used the pod of this plant to flavour liqueurs and even cocoa. In fact, these cultures considered vanilla to be a food of the gods and held it in high esteem.
It is interesting to note that the Aztecs and Mayans offered vanilla to drink to nobles and warriors long before the arrival of Europeans in the Americas. These cultures recognised the aromatic and medicinal properties of vanilla, and regarded it as a symbol of wealth and power.
Aztecs, Mayas and the food of the gods
Vanilla is a beautiful orchid that has been valued by various cultures throughout history. Both the Aztecs and the Mayans used the pod of this plant to flavour liqueurs and even cocoa. In fact, these cultures considered vanilla to be a food of the gods and held it in high esteem.
It is interesting to note that the Aztecs and Mayans offered vanilla to drink to nobles and warriors long before the arrival of Europeans in the Americas. These cultures recognised the aromatic and medicinal properties of vanilla, and regarded it as a symbol of wealth and power.
3.- Properties and uses of the vanilla
Properties and uses of vanilla
3.1- Analgesic and anxiolytic properties
- Vanilla has been shown to be an adjuvant in pain relief (analgesic); one of the specific uses that is common is its use in migraine relief.
- Vanilla is considered anxiolytic, helping to restore calm in stressful situations.
Analgesic and anxiolytic properties
Vanilla has been shown to be an adjuvant in pain relief (analgesic); one of the specific uses that is common is its use in migraine relief.
Vanilla is considered anxiolytic, helping to restore calm in stressful situations.
3.2- Aromatiser environmental
- Generates a very pleasant and fresh scented atmosphere.
- On the other hand, its use in air diffusion is also indicated to elevate the mood, to help in very incipient depressive states, and to favour the ability to concentrate.
- It is a mild stimulant that can help you to be more communicative or eloquent in your social relationships. In fact, it improves mood.
- It has also been attributed with the power to awaken the libido.
Aromatiser environmental
Generates a very pleasant and fresh scented atmosphere.
On the other hand, its use in air diffusion is also indicated to elevate the mood, to help in very incipient depressive states, and to favour the ability to concentrate.
It is a mild stimulant that can help you to be more communicative or eloquent in your social relationships. In fact, it improves mood.
It has also been attributed with the power to awaken the libido.
3.3- Gastronomic use vanilla
It is a very popular flavouring agent, widely used in the food and catering industry and in many households, but has often been replaced by synthetic (chemical) substitutes.
Therefore, natural vanilla, obtained from the pod of this precious orchid, must be distinguished from the artificial flavouring sometimes used in food, which is also incorrectly referred to as vanilla.
In fact, our vanilla is an expensive and highly prized spice.
Gastronomic use vanilla
It is a very popular flavouring agent, widely used in the food and catering industry and in many households, but has often been replaced by synthetic (chemical) substitutes.
Therefore, natural vanilla, obtained from the pod of this precious orchid, must be distinguished from the artificial flavouring sometimes used in food, which is also incorrectly referred to as vanilla.
In fact, our vanilla is an expensive and highly prized spice.
Main properties and characteristics vanilla
Main properties and characteristics of vanilla
- Vanilla relieves heavy digestion, stomach pain and heartburn.
- It helps us to digest and therefore metabolise food and its nutrients properly.
- On the other hand, it is useful in relieving cases of diarrhoea due to gastritis and gastroenteritis.
- Helps to combat and eliminate gas, bloating and flatulence.
- With anti-inflammatory properties it helps and protects the throat and soothes irritating coughs.
- It also has the property of eliminating bad taste in the mouth and bad breath or halitosis.
- One of its virtues is to facilitate and tonify the functions of the liver and gall bladder.
- It has a neurodeinflammatory effect that prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease.
- Vanilla relieves heavy or slow digestion. It also relieves the feeling of heaviness and pain in the stomach and heartburn.
- It helps us to digest and therefore metabolise food properly.
- It is also useful for diarrhoea due to gastritis and gastroenteritis.
- Helps to combat gas, bloating and flatulence.
- It also helps to eliminate bad taste in the mouth and bad breath or halitosis.
- Tonifies liver and gall bladder functions.
Properties of the vanilla orchid
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Swami Satynanda Saraswati
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