Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia); is native to Central America and Mexica. Mexica monopolized the profitable Vanilla trade for three centuries. It is now produced mainly in the Malagasy Republic (Madagascar) and neighboring islands of Reunion and Comores. Lesser amounts come from Java, Tahiti, and Mexico. Long before Columbus discovered America, the Aztecs enjoyed a drink call "Xoco-Latl" made from cocoa and vanilla beans. This was discovered by Cortez, and Vanilla was taken back to Spain from where its use soon spread to other parts of Europe. Vanilla is the fruit of an orchid plant; each hand-pollinated flower becomes a long slender pod or bean which is picked while still green. It undergoes a curing and drying process during which aroma and flavor are developed. Pure Vanilla Extract, a delicate, subtle flavoring, is a complex mixture of natural ingredients, many of which are unknown. Imitation vanilla extract is a mixture of color and synthetic flavors, mainly vanillin. Pure vanilla has a pleasant "bouquet" and a full, well-rounded flavor that is not present in an imitation vanilla extract. For the protection of consumers, Federal standards have now been issued to define the name Vanilla Extract and provide that no imitation flavors may be used in making pure Vanilla Extract. Uses...Use Vanilla to flavor most sweet foods such as eggnog, milk shakes, hot chocolate and other milk beverages; ice cream; rice, bread and other puddings; cakes; cookies; dessert or fruit sauces; custards; stewed fruits, fruit compotes; candies; glazes; frostings; whipped cream; pies; coffee; tortes; meringue shells; cheesecake; dessert souffles; sundae toppings; cream puff and pastry fillings; muffins; coffee cakes and cream cheese filling for fruit bread. Suggested Amounts To Use In Various Dishes 1 - 2 tsp in 2 layer cake recipe or mix 1/4 - 1/2 tsp in 1 cup heavy cream, whipped 1 - 1-1/2 tsp in 2 cups custard sauce 1 - 1-1/2 tsp in frostings for 2 cake layers 2 - 3 tsp in cookie recipe making about 5 dozen 1/ - 1 tsp in candy recipe using 2 cups sugar 2 tsp in about 4 cups custard for making ice cream