Vanilla is considered one of the world’s most expensive spices, next only to saffron and cardamom.  In fact, it is so highly-prized that growers will do just about anything and everything within the bounds of the law to protect their crops from thieves.  These facts are not surprising considering the wide range of culinary uses vanilla has in many global cuisines.

Did you know, however, that the vanilla extract can be used to make the Earth a greener place to live in?  Yes, indeed but first a few basic things about vanilla just to enrich your knowledge of this aromatic spice.

Spice Description

Vanilla traces its origins in Mexico although countries as far away as Tahiti and Indonesia also produce the plant in large tracts of land.  The flavor comes from the bean, or seed pod, of the plant itself although synthetic extracts are also available.  Take note that synthetic vanilla is identical in flavor to the natural beans, if and only if it is of the highest quality.

Speaking of the beans, these contain thousands of tiny black seeds that are scraped off for their strong flavors and smells.  All vanilla beans have a rich, full and powerful aroma although the Indonesian and Tahitian varieties are generally considered inferior than the Madagascar and Mexico varieties.

As previously implied, vanilla comes in two forms - natural and synthetic.  Natural vanilla comes in whole beans, oils, extracts and powders with alcohol, all of which are expectedly more expensive than their synthetic counterparts.  Synthetic vanilla is made from artificial vanillin combined with pure vanilla extract, if you opt for the high quality product.

Alternative Uses

Aside from its culinary uses, vanilla can also be used for alternative purposes around the house.  Some sources cite that it can also be used for medicinal purposes like in the reduction of fever but these claims remain unsubstantiated.

If you have a bottle of vanilla that has expired past its best before date, don’t throw it away.  You can use it for these purposes:

* Use vanilla as an insect repellant.  Just combine 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with a cup of water and stir.  Pour in a spray bottle, apply on your skin and rub in.  You should smell of vanilla, sort of a perfume, while keeping the insects at bay.  Your mate will even like it than the store-bought insect repellent with its chemical smell.  Definitely good for the relationship.

* Remove the various odors found in refrigerators, coolers and microwaves by soaking a piece of cloth in vanilla extract and then using it to wipe down the insides of these appliances.

* Remove odors in other areas by soaking cotton balls in vanilla extract overnight, placing them in an open jar and placing it in the affected areas.  You will have a fresher atmosphere the morning after.

* Combine drops of vanilla into a can of paint to lessen its toxic fumes.

* Relieve pain on minor burns by soaking a cotton ball in vanilla extract and then dabbing on the affected skin.  The alcohol content in the extract is responsible for the relief.

Vanilla in the home makes not only for tastier dishes but for a cleaner home, too.  And of course, you will come out smelling like roses, so to speak.