Mexican Vanilla
Mexican Vanilla is my favorite thing to bring home to friends and family. It has amazing history, authentic unique flavor, and is a true Mexican product. The bottles are gorgeous and the looks on our friend’s faces are just as good when we give it to them.
Vanilla is actually an orchid, it is surprising to learn also that Mexico is the origin of Vanilla. Its first introduction to the rest of the world was when the Aztecs gave Cortez a drink of “Xocohotl” which was essentially chocolate and vanilla (two of everybodies favorite things). He took vanilla in its processed form to Europe where it, along with chocolate, became the hottest new thing for the elite class. Attempts at cultivating vanilla on their home soil proved futile. It was soon realized this was because there was no Melipoma bees outside of Mexico to pollinate it properly. Thus the process of planting and pollinating Vanilla, to this day, is done by hand. Every single plant!
Mexico eventually lost its monopoly on vanilla and today only produces 1% of the world’s supply. However, it will never lose its deep Mexican history.
Genuine vanilla can be purchased in several places in Manzanillo. A word of caution is in order regarding some kinds of vanilla that can be purchased in Mexico- the vanilla may not be actual vanilla bean extract, but be mixed with tonka bean which smells just like vanilla but contains coumarin. This is a chemical that can cause liver damage. It has been banned by the FDA in the States but Mexico does not closely monitor it. The general rule is to not buy cheap vanilla in Mexico, you do get what you pay for.
Vanilla is the second most expensive spice next to saffron. Next time you visit Manzanillo be sure to pick up some genuine vanilla for your friends, and be sure to remember the rich history that comes along with this delicious flavor.
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