The Allure of Vanilla

They say its a man's favorite scent. Its probably one of the most recognizable and copied scents of all time.  And though it seems common in spa products, its actually one of the most exotic spices of them all.  Its Vanilla and most would agree that it smells and tastes delicious.

The vanilla bean is produced by a variety of the orchid plant and is the only spice produced by orchids. Vanilla is only sourced from 4 places on  the globe - Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, Indonesian vanilla, Mexican vanilla and Tahitian vanilla.  The process for producing vanilla is an arduous one.  One one type of bee, the Melipona bee, can pollinate the flowers and the flowers open for only one hour per day!! 

While visiting the Tahitian island of Taha'a (also known as the Vanilla island), I learned that Tahitians manually pollinate each flower.  Can you imagine?!?  Incredibly hard work but vanilla remains one of their top exports.

According to Rebecca James Gadberry, ingredient guru and author, "The major benefit of vanilla in the spa is its incredible aromatherapeutic properties, which help strengthen the stress-reduction response".

Here are some quick facts about Vanilla (Courtesy of Skin Inc Magazine)

• Vanilla was used by the Aztecs for flavoring their royal drink xocolatl, a mixture of cocoa beans, vanilla and honey.
• Vanilla has been considered both an aphrodisiac and a fever-reducer.
• Thomas Jefferson introduced vanilla to the United States in the late 1700s after discovering it while serving as the ambassador to King Louis XVI of France. 
• The United States consumes approximately 1,200 tons of vanilla beans per year. 
• When baking, be sure to cream the vanilla with shortening or butter because the fat will encapsulate the vanilla, preventing it from evaporating during the baking process.
• To make your own vanilla extract, place one whole vanilla bean cut in half lengthwise into 3/4 cup of vodka. Cover tightly and let steep for six months before using.
  

Comments

[atlanta spa]

this herb can be consider as the useful and cheaper way on improving a lifestyle.