Vanilla plants are plants that make up the orchid family group.
Vanilla is the name of a genus of plants that belongs to the orchid family. There are more than a hundred species of vanilla, which are characterized by their long stems, their large flowers and their capsular-looking fruits.
Vanilla fruits are used for aromatization and flavoring of various foods and drinks. Shaped like a pod , this fruit that houses thousands of seeds can reach 25 centimeters in length.
Types of vanilla
Vanilla planifolia , Vanilla tahitiensis and Vanilla pompona are the species that are usually used to make vanilla flavoring. There are chocolates, ice creams, sodas and candies with vanilla flavor or aroma . Coca-Cola , in fact, is a drink that includes vanilla flavoring.
Perfumes from famous brands such as Dior , Jean-Paul Gaultier , Chanel and Cartier also have vanilla as one of their ingredients. It should be noted that some fragrances use natural vanilla and others, a synthetic aroma that imitates the fruit of the plant.
Vanilla is usually used for flavoring and aromatizing ice cream.
Medicinal properties
Let's see below some of the medicinal properties of vanilla:
- It is a natural tranquilizer , since it has important calming properties. For example, its aroma is used in aromatherapy to relax and stimulate patients. The volatile compounds responsible for this property are benzaldehyde, coumarins, limonene and eugenol. Vanilla is ideal for treating anxiety disorders, depression , insomnia and even to complement weight loss diets.
- Thanks to some of the compounds mentioned in the previous paragraph, phenol and salicylic acid, vanilla also acts as a natural pain reliever . This makes it a perfect complement for cases of muscle pain and headaches , and also to treat indigestion that causes stomach pain.
- It acts effectively to reduce fever , and this property has been used for decades. The secret behind its febrifuge action lies in its components, among which salicylates, benzoic acid, eugenol and salicylic acid stand out.
- Vanilla is also very useful to complement treatments against fibromyalgia and rheumatic diseases , thanks to the combination of its already mentioned relaxing properties with anisic acid, which is considered a natural antirheumatic.
- It helps strengthen the digestive tract and improves the functioning of its organs, thanks to containing catechins and having a laxative effect and properties that stimulate bile production. For these reasons, vanilla is indicated to treat cases of heartburn, bile insufficiency and gastritis. It is worth mentioning that it should not be ingested if one of the symptoms is diarrhea, as it can enhance it.
- It is rich in acids and antiseptic and antibacterial substances, which is why it is usually indicated to treat bad breath , among other disorders of similar origins. Eugenol, tannins and vanillinic, anisic, malc and benzoic acids are some of the main components regarding the antibacterial action of vanilla.
Vanilla, an elongated cookie
In several South American countries , an elongated cookie whose dough is flavored with vanilla essence is known as vanilla. This cake is also called soletilla cake , savoiardi , template , melindro or tongue .
Typically, the consistency of these cookies is used to absorb liquid, either for direct consumption (introducing vanilla into cooked mate, for example) or in some preparation (as in the case of tiramisu). As well as other similar products, it allows the preparation of a cake with a minimum of work , since it acts as the dough and melts easily with the rest of the ingredients.
A Cameron Crowe movie
“Vanilla sky” , finally, is the title of a film directed by Cameron Crowe that was released in 2001 .
The film is an adaptation of a 1997 Spanish film.