Reply
New Contributor
Posts: 3
Registered: ‎08-30-2011

Recently I received a large bottle of Mexican Vanilla. It has a different fragrance than my usual vanilla extract. Now I'm wondering if it is used in the same way as my McCormick's. Any thoughts and suggestions would help!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,752
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Before you use that large bottle read this.

http://www.snopes.com/food/ingredient/vanilla.asp

It's God's job to judge the terrorists. It's our mission to arrange the meeting. U.S. Marines
New Contributor
Posts: 3
Registered: ‎08-30-2011

Betteb, thanks for your reply. I took your suggestion and found the Snopes site very informative and interesting.

Interesting in that coumarin is used in small amounts in warfarin. My husband has been on warfarin for several years and yes, I've heard warfarin called rat poison.

On the label of the Mexican Vanilla bottle is stated "no coumarin" and Snopes said coumarin had been banned in the US since 1940. The label also reads "Pure Vanilla", with ingredients of water, vanilla bean extractives and potassium.

My McCormick's bottle lists vanilla bean extractives in water and alcohol (41%).

Since I still have doubt, out it goes.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,456
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I don't know anything about Mexican Vanilla, but when I was at Penzeys, the Madagascar Vanilla has to be the MOST delicious scent!!!

"People with closed hearts will always feel as though they are at war with the world." ~My friend Nancy
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,781
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

That's the only vanilla I use, bought mine from Penzey's

Love the stuff.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 43,729
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

not all mexican vanillas are the same....i do go to mexico and buy vanilla sometimes. it is wonderful! make sure to read the labels and buy from trusted vendors.

********************************************
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,892
Registered: ‎02-19-2012

Both Penzey's and Neilsen-Massey make great Mexican vanilla, and there are a number of other reputable brands on the market. Mexican vanilla has a spicier taste and pairs well with chocolate.

I make my own vanilla extra using Bourbon (I am in Kentucky, after all), and I use one part Mexican vanilla beans (for spice), one part Tahitian vanilla beans (for aroma), and two parts of Madagascar vanilla beans (a great all-purpose vanilla). It works out well in many things.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,168
Registered: ‎03-14-2010
I always buy my vanilla in Mexico...I have been enough that I know where to get ""the good stuff"" It's flavor / scent never bakes away like so many of the imitation ones.
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,488
Registered: ‎05-30-2010

The orchid that produces vanilla beans originated in Mexico. It was always the very best and only vanilla you could buy for a while. Like all things, you need to be discerning about how things are grown etc.

Today, there are 3 other regions that grow the orchid. Google this for details.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,748
Registered: ‎02-27-2012
On 2/10/2014 KYToby said:

Both Penzey's and Neilsen-Massey make great Mexican vanilla, and there are a number of other reputable brands on the market. Mexican vanilla has a spicier taste and pairs well with chocolate.

I make my own vanilla extra using Bourbon (I am in Kentucky, after all), and I use one part Mexican vanilla beans (for spice), one part Tahitian vanilla beans (for aroma), and two parts of Madagascar vanilla beans (a great all-purpose vanilla). It works out well in many things.

KYToby...that sounds delicious! Go into business! I would love to buy some!! I will watch for your upcoming website/ebay listings!! {#emotions_dlg.w00t}

OT-hubby just got back from a UK BB game he was lucky enough to get tickets for. He went on a tour of a place where they make real KY bourbon. Raved about Honey Bourbon...alas...forgot to bring me some!! GRRRRR!!!