How do they make Mexican vanilla extract?
I would like to make 'Mexican Vanilla' extract. I have used it for years and now would like to make it.
Best Answer
You can find many instructions on the web for how to make your own vanilla extract, such as this one from Beanilla. As Derobert mentions, it is essentially just soaking the beans ins spirits long enough for the flavors to infuse. The beans you buy will determine the flavor profile. To make Mexican vanilla extract, you would buy pods imported from Mexico.
Regarding commercial products:
If you are speaking of pure, genuine vanilla extract of the type legal for import in the US, then Mexican vanilla extract is the same as any other.
Such vanilla is subject, in the US at least, to the FDA standard for identity for vanilla extract, and so cannot vary from this model. It is made, usually, by soaking vanilla beans in an alcohol/water solution, although there are alternate methods permitted. Several minor ingredients such as sugars or glycerine are permitted, but if used, must specified on the label.
On the other hand, there are products available in Mexico that are not true vanilla. These are made from extracts of the tonka plant, and contain a substance, coumarin, that is not permitted in foods in the US, as it is a blood thinner and can cause bleeding. The FDA says:
Be wary about buying products labeled "Vainilla" or "Extracto de Vainilla" in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Look for "vanilla bean" in the ingredient list on the label. If it has "tonka bean" or if there is no ingredient list or a vague one, do not purchase this product.
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How is Mexican vanilla extract made?
Pure vanilla is made with the extract of beans from the vanilla plant. Mexican vanilla is frequently made with the extract of beans from the tonka tree, an entirely different plant that belongs to the pea family. Tonka bean extract contains coumarin.Is Mexican vanilla extract real?
Mexican vanilla that is produced by a reputable American company is pure vanilla extract made from Mexican beans. Unfortunately, some specialty food stores carry Mexican vanilla made in Mexico. While it is possible that it is pure vanilla, the chances are more than 99% that it is not pure.Why is Mexican vanilla so cheap?
Artificial vanilla extract is affordable, and is the vanilla extract predominantly sold in countries that produce vanilla beans. This is the paradox of vanilla's hand-crafted production. That's why in Mexico, even though the country grows very fine beans, artificial vanillas dominate the market.How to make Homemade Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extracts , Mexican Vanilla Extracts | Others
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