What Type Of Vanilla Do You Use?
Decorating By Peachez Updated 7 Mar 2006 , 5:39pm by Peachshortcake
Okay. I ALWAYS use pure vanilla extract but lately I've heard a lot of chatter about Madagascar, Tahitian & Mexican vanillas. Is there any difference in taste? I'm asuming there is since some people are REALLY partial to different kinds. I've heard that the Tahitian is sort of flowery. I'm not sure about the other two. Before I spend some big bucks on ordering this stuff online I'd like to find out what I can from the wealth of knowledge that everyone here has.
Thanks so much for any info you can provide about this. 
I use Madagascar pure vanilla. I get it at Costco $6.99 for 16 oz. Best price I hav seen! I used to pay $8 for 4oz at the grocery store! I have used tahitian vanilla and don't like it as much. I have never used Mexican because it is always hard to tell if you are getting the real thing from there!
Check out this thread:
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=4047&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0
I, too, buy the Costco vanilla. It's referred to as a "bourbon" vanilla--a vanilla produced by the same plants found in Mexico. It's good stuff for a great price 
I'm leary of Mexican vanillas, too, because I've heard that there are only 2 companies in Mexico that make the real stuff without adding coumarin--which is banned by the FDA because it can cause liver and kidney damage. I don't know who those 2 suppliers are and I'm very happy with the Costco product.
So, if you're committed to Mexican vanilla, make sure you always buy it from a reputable supplier--I've been told that the vanilla sold to tourists at cruise ship stops and roadside stands is usually vanilla scented alcohol that may also have coumarin in it (and very little real vanilla).
Here's a great website with good info on vanillas:
http://www.joyofbaking.com/Vanilla.html
Rae
I use the cheap stuff from Wal-Mart. It tastes just as good as any other even though it's made from wood and not vanilla (go figure). I haven't tried the other stuff... too expensive and I won't dare touch the stuff from Mexico. Most of it is poisonous to some degree.
I've heard that the Tahitian is sort of flowery.
A friend of mine went to Tahiti and brought me back a whole bunch of tahitian vanilla beans. I wouldn't say they smell flowery. More like spicy and earthy. It smells a lot different than the Madagascar, but they smell amazing.
I use the imitation stuff and so far nobody complains but because of all the posts I've read here I really want to go for the real deal.
Speaking of Mexican vanilla and cruise ships, I just bought some down in Zihatahejo in Jan on my cruise and it's still sitting on my kitchen counter because now I'm afraid to use it after reading all the comments people have made about it coming from Mexico. Oh well...it was only $4.
KimAZ
My mom brought back some clear vanilla from the Dominican Republic - it is the best I have used, I also have a few from Mexico that my brother brings when he travel - use those in cake mixes, taste different than what you can get in the grocery store
You can buy Mexican Vanilla beans from Penzeys and make your own extract.
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysvanilla.html
Just click under "Vanilla Beans." It's 3 for $6.29
I use their vanilla extract for baking. I can definitely tell the difference between their extract and the McCormick brand I used to buy at the store.
I feel a little dumb admitting this but I never knew there were other types of vanilla. Well aside from natural or imitation, clear or brown. I always use the Wilton clear.
I use their vanilla extract for baking. I can definitely tell the difference between their extract and the McCormick brand I used to buy at the store.
Have you tried their double strength vanilla? I'm tempted to try it but haven't gotten a chance to get over there recently.
Mexican Vanilla is very strong. I love using it. Every time one of our workers goes home to Mexico I make sure they pick me up a bottle. Some people suggest not using as much but I love the taste it gives to cakes & etc.
I see you live in Texas. If you live near a Wal-mart you can purchase Mexican vanilla there. It is on the isle with all the mexican food products. It is a huge bottle for a little over 5.00.
I feel a little dumb admitting this but I never knew there were other types of vanilla. Well aside from natural or imitation, clear or brown. I always use the Wilton clear.
I never knew this either 
.... this is why I love this place!! 
Nielsen-Massey has a website with a lot of info on the different kinds of vanilla and how they can be used. They are a bit expensive, but I think they are worth it -- especially when using extracts for buttercream.
Here is the link:
http://www.nielsenmassey.com/
dragonwarlord1969 shared with me how to make your own vanilla using vodka and vanilla beans. It takes a couple of months to do but it tastes wonderful!! Thanks goes to dragonwarlord1969 for sharing this with me!!
I use my bottle of Mexican vanilla for almost all of my stuff. It tastes so good in my baking and icing. I know it doesnt make a perfectly white icing, but no one complains because they all hate the taste of artifical vanillas. I truely can say my family and friends are picky about that and can tell the difference.
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