Forktionary

Vanilla Pod

Vanilla planifolia Spice

Vanilla Pod Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Spice

The Forktionary Angle

"The crown jewel of spices, offering an unparalleled depth of sweet, woody, and floral aroma that elevates both sweet and savory creations to gourmet status."

Definition

The cured, fragrant fruit of the vanilla orchid, prized globally for its rich, complex, sweet, aromatic flavor in desserts and savory dishes.

Global Demand Second most expensive spice globally after saffron, due to labor-intensive cultivation and curing.
Main Flavor Compound Vanillin, responsible for vanilla's characteristic aroma and taste.
Usage Used whole (infused), split (scraped seeds), or for making extract in desserts, beverages, and some savory sauces.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Vanilla Pod are:

Sweet creamy woody floral slightly smoky rich complex

Chef’s Secret

Don't discard spent vanilla pods! Rinse them, let them dry, then store them in a jar of sugar to create aromatic vanilla sugar, or infuse them in spirits.

Best Substitutes

Vanilla Extract

1 pod = 1-3 tsp extract

Vanilla Paste

1 pod = 1 tsp paste

Buying Guide

Choose plump, moist, pliable pods with a strong aroma. Avoid dry, brittle pods, which indicate staleness.

Culinary Pairings

Chocolate coffee fruits dairy custards caramel nuts certain liquors

Recipes Using Vanilla Pod

Barbadian Rum Punch image 122
Main Ingredient Easy North American Cuisine

Barbadian Rum Punch

Escape to the tropics with this vibrant Barbadian Rum Punch! A taste of island history, this refreshing cocktail blends the sweetness of Caribbean fruits with the rich warmth of rum. Perfect for a hot summer day or a lively party, this easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Learn how to make this classic drink, inspired by centuries of tradition and perfected for modern palates.

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Apple Drink With Absolut Vanilia image 103
European European Dinner Party Cocktails

Apple Drink With Absolut Vanilia

Indulge in this warm and inviting Apple Drink with Absolut Vanilia, a Scandinavian-inspired recipe from Tina Nordstrom. This sophisticated cocktail combines the sweetness of honey and apple juice with the smooth vanilla notes of Absolut Vanilia and warming spices. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this easy-to-make drink is ready in under 30 minutes!

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A Mere Trifle Strawberries And Clotted Cream Trifle image
European Time To Make Cuisine Heirloom Historical

A Mere Trifle Strawberries And Clotted Cream Trifle

Indulge in this stunning Strawberry and Clotted Cream Trifle! Layers of light sponge cake, luscious strawberries, and homemade strawberry jam create a symphony of flavors, all enveloped in creamy custard and topped with decadent clotted cream. This elegant dessert is perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or a simple yet impressive treat. Easily adaptable for children or non-drinkers by substituting Madeira with your favorite fruit juice. A recipe passed down from a British magazine, capturing the essence of a Devon cream tea. Garnish with pink rose petals for an extra touch of romance (optional).

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Beetroot Chocolate Fudge Cake From Cook Yourself Thin image 102
Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less Number Of Servings Desserts

Beetroot Chocolate Fudge Cake From Cook Yourself Thin

Prepare for a flavor explosion! This decadent Beetroot Chocolate Fudge Cake from Cook Yourself Thin is unbelievably rich and intensely chocolatey, yet surprisingly light. The secret? Beetroot! It adds a unique fudgy texture and natural sweetness, without weighing down this delightful dessert. Don't be intimidated by the length of the recipe; the result is well worth the effort. This show-stopping cake is best served warm with its glossy fudge icing. Freezes beautifully before icing – simply defrost and ice just before serving.

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Baked Marsala Peaches image
Desserts Seasonal Peaches Sweet

Baked Marsala Peaches

Indulge in this exquisite summer dessert! Delia Smith's classic recipe (from her 1993 cookery program) features juicy peaches baked in a fragrant Marsala wine sauce, then chilled to perfection. The sweet and spicy peaches are beautifully complemented by a creamy mascarpone and fromage frais topping. Prepare this show-stopping dessert ahead of time – it tastes even better after a day (or three!) in the fridge.

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