WHAT IS VANILLA?

Vanilla is a flavouring derived from Vanilla Orchids. The name comes from Spanish word vainilla meaning pod. Vanillin is the primary component from the pod which is responsible for smell and flavour of the vanilla. Vanilla grows as a vine and flowers form into pods. It is widely grown in the tropics Madagascar being the largest producer in the world.


WHAT IS VANILLA EXTRACT & HOW IS IT MADE?

It is Vanillin which is extracted from the vanilla pod and is in an alcoholic solution. The U S Food & Drug Administration requires 35% vol of Ethyl Alcohol and 13.35 Ozs of vanilla pod per gallon.

Vanilla Extract is made by percolating alcohol and water through chopped cured vanilla pods somewhat like coffee. The process of extraction takes about 48 hours, the mixture is then placed in tanks for a few days to several weeks and in turn then filtered and placed in holding tanks and eventually bottled.


WHAT IS VANILLA ESSENCE?

This may be of two forms; one, the extract of the Vanilla seed pod and second a synthetic vanillin in Ethyl alcohol which is derived from phenol also known as carbolic acid which is a crystalline solid with sweet tarry odour.


IS ALCOHOL OR ANIMAL PRODUCTS INVOLVED IN VANILLA ESSENCE AND EXTRACTS & DOES THE END PRODUCT CONTAIN ALCOHOL?

Yes, alcohol is involved in the manufacture of Vanilla essence and extracts.

Yes, lots of final products contain Alcohol but a lot of Non Alcoholic vanilla is available in powder form in its original pod form and also in liquid forms.

Thus from the points made above, Vanilla can be found in both Halal & Haram forms; the individual has to make sure what he/she is acquiring.


WHAT IS VANILLA USED FOR?

Vanilla flavouring and odour has a wide use. It is extensively used in the food industry like:

Ice creams
Confectionary
Desserts
Dairy products
Coffees

It is also used in:

Cigars
Perfumes
Aromatherapy
Medicines