Vanilla pods: description, use in cooking and not only

The words "vanilla" and "vanillin" seem to many synonyms, which apply exclusively to cooking. Today we will debunk this myth! Let's talk about what is the difference between these terms, how to get a natural flavor additive, and at the same time find out where else the vanilla pods are used, except in the kitchen.

About Vanilla and Vanillin

Vanilla fragrance has been accompanying us since childhood. They smell ice cream and creme brulee, mother's eclairs and grandmother's pies, baby soap and candies "Montpensier" ... And much more.

Aromatizer "vanilla" is very common. It is a substance obtained by laboratory means, similar to the original very distantly. Natural vanilla at times more fragrant and tastier. And in terms of quality, of course, wins.

With this, it seems to be understandable, but the question arises about where to get it? And here we will find useful vanilla pods.

Selection rules

When buying, pay attention to the appearance. Good pods shine, as if oiled, do not have cracks and chips. But white scurf should not frighten - this is the so-called vanilla frost, it periodically appears on the surface and does not affect the quality.

At home, store vanilla pods can be a few weeks, wrapping them in foil. Note that this plant does not tolerate low temperatures, it will quickly deteriorate in the refrigerator. It is better to fold the workpiece into a cabinet.

For its intended purpose: we make vanilla sugar

These fancy things are sold, outwardly similar to dried wood, in departments with spices. I must say that the price of one pod is much more than the price of a whole bag of vanillin. But the more from him more.

In order to make a fragrant sugar, just lay a vanilla pod in the sugar bowl, cover with a dense lid and let it brew 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 cooking various dishes. Gently cut the pod along so that you can extract the seeds, and pour them out. Add a pinch of desserts, boiled milk, dough for biscuits and cookies, berry pies, homemade ice cream.

You can use this natural seasoning for the children's menu. Make a variety in the usual recipes, and your child is happy to eat semolina porridge or cottage cheese.

Try not to store seeds. It is best to open the pod immediately before use.

Extract

Vanilla quickly reacts with alcohol, giving him some of its properties. If you decide to extract, use any alcohol with a strength of 35 ^° . You can, of course, add to the bottle and something from the 40-degree classics, but, in the opinion of the technologists, it is the 35 that is the optimal strength.

Remember that to obtain an extract you need as many pods as there are alcohol (by weight). If you plan to add a vanilla pod to a half-liter bottle of cognac, at best, you will get a flavored drink, not an extract. That, in general, is also not bad - many people like the taste of such alcohol.

By the way, pods of vanilla in their art are often used by the barman and barista.

Vanilla outside the kitchen

Pods vanilla liked many creative natures. Photographers often use them for entourage, working with subject photography. Especially well they are in harmony with white and light soft colors, creating a contrast.

Sometimes for the same decorative purposes, vanilla and cook are used. Not for taste and smell, but for beauty. Curd dessert, sweet berry soup, profiteroles, ice cream ball - any of these dishes will decorate the vanilla pod. Photos are delicious and memorable.

Those who are engaged in the manufacture of home cosmetics, are well aware of what a magical fragrance can add soap or vanilla cream. And besides the smell, it affects the color, giving it cold chocolate shades.

Often, this material is used by the needlewoman. In the decoction of vanilla, cinnamon and coffee, cotton, flax or coarse calico is cooked to color the fabric in a beautiful natural color and give it a smell. Stitched from such pieces of interior toys smell sweet. Often vanilla pods are used as natural flavors.