Posted on 08/31/2014 3:15:10 PM PDT by nickcarraway
1) Madagascar has the distinction of being the location for the fastest-growing segment of the Lutheran church in the world today.
2) The whole article sounds to me like the start of a global war on terroir...
I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted real vanilla. Just vanilla “flavor”.
I would have though by now, there would be hothouses and greenhouses aplenty devoted to growing the Vanilla Bean. Maybe Vanilla is like the Coffee Bean, in that it is difficult to artificially reconstruct the conditions readily available in nature, albeit in limited quantities.
Only a terroirist would say that.
/johnny
The richest vanilla I have tasted was bought at a crowded bazaar market in Cap Hatien, Haiti. Its beans are wild grown and collected by mountain natives. The cured beans are hard, black and deeply shriveled. The taste is the essence of exotic.
If there are any Whole Foods or Trader Joes in you area...try out the Mexican vanilla.
It puts vanilla flavor to shame.
There is also a spice store around here, it’s a chain but I can’t call the name up right this minute. The spices and vinegars from around the world are outstanding.
It’s expensive and a long way from me. I’m as tight as bark on a tree...but I’ll make the drive and spend the bucks.
You said that a lot better than I did!!
Trader Joes just opened up near here. I’ll have to try it.
It's just not fair that some places can grow things better than Haji out in the middle of the desert. /attempt at S. Kinison reference with islam.
“The difference between a real quality vanilla bean and that crappy extract you get in the grocery store is like the difference between a can of dog-food, and a good steak.”
You’re right, here’s one of the ways I enjoy real vanilla. Get a couple of Tahitian or any other quality beans, at your local gourmet market. Split them in half and put them in a half gallon of Bacardi light. Let it steep for a couple of weeks and you’ll have a true taste sensation. Mix up your favorite tropical drinks and enjoy. I like Cuba Libre’s. smooth, delicious & vanilla’ey.
Any relation?
You can buy vanilla orchids online. Keeping them alive and pollinating them in another matter.
Not that I know of!
Check ancestry.com . You’d be amazed what you can find in your family tree.
Good idea. LOL
Absolutely.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.