Premium Grade A Gourmet Ugandan Bourbon Vanilla Pods 18cm+

Description

Vanilla is the world’s second most expensive spice made from an orchid, one of the only few that produces fruit. Vanilla was first cultivated by the Totonac people in Mexico who used it as a fragrance in temples, a good luck charm in amulets and to flavour food.

Growing vanilla is very labour intensive and it requires hand pollination. The orchids open only once from early morning until midday during flowering season. The flower must be hand pollinated within 12 hours of opening, otherwise it wilts and falls off and no vanilla bean will grow until the next flowering season.

Our vanilla beans are pure Gourmet Grade A vanilla beans grown in Southern Uganda and are 18cm or more long. Once harvested, the vanilla beans go through a curing process that can take upto 3 months. This highly skilled process employs about 80-90% women. Once the beans have dried, they are vacuum packed to keep them fresh for longer.

 

How should I use vanilla pods?

These pods can be used in baking. They will give your cakes an amazing flavour. Use a sharp knife to slice down the centre of the pod. Gently scrape down the seeds inside the pod with your knife and use these in your baking.

They can be used in:

• Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Smoothies
• Crème Brûlée
• Baking
• Milkshakes
• Puddings
• Desserts
• Icecream
• Yoghurt
• Energy Bars

 

How much should I use?

1 vanilla pod is roughly equal to about 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

 

How to store vanilla pods?

These vanilla pods are vacuum packed. Store vanilla beans at room temperature away from heat or sunlight, like in a cupboard. If you have leftover unused vanilla beans after opening the package, store them in a plastic bag with the air pressed out or in a vacuum-sealed bag.

You could also place them in an air-tight bag and place them in the freezer. Just remove the pod you need without defrosting the rest – this way the pods may last upto 2 years. (This works for me).

 

Does vanilla have any nutritional benefits?

Further studies are required to make these conclusive:

• Vanillin, a plant compound found in vanilla, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties based on animal and test-tube studies.
• Adding vanilla to your drinks may potentially reduce sugar intake as vanilla seems to increase the perceived sweetness of drinks.