Woo-hoo! I share your joy!
A really good friend of mine goes to Mexico twice a year and always brings me back 1 qt bottles of vanilla. Super cheap and really good quality.
That's great! Vanilla is so darn expensive, even the imitation stuff.
I thought I found a good deal at the local party supply that also sells bulk food and restaurant supplies, but when I got it home I realized it's just vanilla flavoring. Bummer.
I know I'm raining on a parade--and I'm sorry--but there are 2 things to consider here...
Clear vanilla is always imitation and it should be made by combining propylene glycol or glycerine with artificial vanillin. Being clear, it's easily watered down.
Some concerns have also arisen around cheap Mexican vanillas. Oftentimes it is not vanilla at all but an extract of the Tonka bean, a bean containing coumarin (a blood thinner/anti-coagulant) which is purported to be toxic. The FDA has dealt with this:
http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia2807.html
In the US, one would expect to pay about $32-35 for a liter of clear vanilla from a reputable source.
With all of the current issues regarding food imports from China containing potentially toxic substances, I'm personally very leery of unproven sources for ingredients.
Rae
Hi,
I too wanted to share my great deal on vanilla. It's a Mexican brand called Molina has NO coumarin. I've been using this brand for a long time and was so bummed when I ran out and couldn't find more. I
I found 4oz. bottles of it at the .99c store in my area for...99c. each.! Yeah!
KimAZ
wow my grandma brings me vanilla from Mexico I love Mexican vanilla can't make ice cream without it!
I know I'm raining on a parade.................
Some concerns have also arisen around cheap Mexican vanillas. Oftentimes it is not vanilla at all but an extract of the Tonka bean, a bean containing coumarin (a blood thinner/anti-coagulant) which is purported to be toxic......I'm personally very leery of unproven sources for ingredients.
Rae
I knew I had read somewhere on here about problems with vanilla. Thanks for the links Rae! 
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