Real Vanilla

[CarolinaGirl]

Can you find real vanilla at good prices in Nassau or Freeport?

[Mike M]

You can probably buy it but I strongly suggest you pay attention and buy a name brand vanilla from a well established store. This isn't a 100% way of knowing you're getting the best but it's better than purchasing it from a small store or a vendor.

The "real" vanilla extracts are more expensive and often the "great deal" extracts are poor quality and many contain coumarin "blood thinner and rat poison". It tastes just like vanilla.

I just say: Beware.

Take care,
Mike

[CarolinaGirl]

Thanks Mike, I bought some in Mexico years ago and I'm still using it, but it's running low.

[Paul Motter]

The vanilly extract in Mexico is known for often being fake, so be careful.

If you want REAL vanilla you have to go to Tahiti and get fresh vanilla beans - you will be in vanilla heaven.

I think you can also find them in Grenada and maybe even farther north. If you find fresh ones they are really nice and not cheap - often $5 to $10 apiece (they are very hard to grow).

[katlady]

Vanilla comes from orchids and has to be hand pollinated in the morning when the flowers open. Vanilla orchid flowers open in the morning and if they aren't pollinated they die and fall off that night. Oh and Vanilla orchid vine only bloom once a year. Sometimes they skip a year also. How do I know this? I had a Vanilla vine and I tried to grow the beans. I didn't harvest the beans in time so it didn't work for me. I will try again next time it blooms. It didn't bloom last year.
Vanilla Orchid.
Green Vanilla bean.