Vanilla is one of the most used spices in the world, its versatility in the culinary arts makes it a fundamental ingredient in the gastronomy of desserts, sweets and pastries in general. It is presented on the market naturally as a pod and dark in color, however, its presence in the market is insufficient, which makes its costs considerable when purchasing it. This is why numerous investigations have been carried out with the intention of satisfying the market by offering a cheaper and easier to obtain version.
For this reason, we often see vanilla-based products on display in the market labeled as vanilla extracts and others as vanilla flavoring. In our article today we will highlight the differences between both options so that you have a clearer vision of what you are buying in the market.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is obtained through a maceration process with concentrations of ethyl alcohol and water. The intention of this process is to extract the active ingredients contained in the pod to proceed with its commercialization. For this reason, vanilla extract is considered a pure product and the concentrations to which it has been subjected must be specified on its label.
To know if a vanilla extract is pure, we must be attentive to the parameters imposed by the food administration and quality control agencies in each country, for example: In the United States the agency in charge is the 'Food and Drugs Administration'. ('Food and Drug Administration') and in Spain, the body in charge is part of food safety made up of Food Legislation and Safety.
Vanilla scent
Vanilla aroma, or imitation vanilla as it is also known in the market, is a product that is obtained through the combination of chemical compounds, emulsifiers, flavorings and colorants to create a product similar in characteristics to those it has. the vanilla. That is, vanilla aroma is a substitute ingredient for vanilla in recipes.
Differences between vanilla extract and aroma
Vanilla extract
Vanilla scent
And you. . . Which one would you use for your recipes?